Sebastian Vettel criticises UEFA after LGBTQ+ row at Euro 2020

Vettel, Aston Martin, Austria — Photo: © LAT Images

Styrian Grand Prix

Vettel criticises UEFA after LGBTQ+ row at Euro 2020

Vettel's home nation Germany was refused permission to light up its Munich stadium in rainbow colours

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Thursday 24 June 2021 17:47

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Sebastian Vettel has criticised European Football's governing body UEFA for denying Mayor of Munich Dieter Reiter's request to adorn the city's Allianz Stadium in a rainbow for the Euro 2020 match between Germany and Hungary.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had already been investigated for wearing a rainbow-coloured captain's armband in the tournament and was subsequently cleared as it was not politically motivated.

But the request to light up the stadium - akin to the hotel at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina - was rejected, citing that it was a political statement.

Hungarian MPs voted recently to ban the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to under-18s.

Vettel, whose Aston Martin team has joined forces with Racing Pride to promote awareness and celebrate Pride Month, was disappointed his country was unable to show support to the LGBTQ+ community.

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"I don't know all the details but I think to [use the] excuse that it is a political message is the wrong path," explained Vettel.

"It is definitely not harming anybody and it was a great message they were supposed to - or would have loved to - send out. Why not allow it?

"Some institutions need to rethink their approach on banning these kinds of messages. It is definitely the way forward, I didn't understand it."

Vettel warns "time is ticking" for bigots

Earlier this month, Vettel sent a strong message condemning discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community and warned that bigots would become "extinct".

Speaking in an F1-organised fan call, Vettel said: "I think any form of discrimination towards, not even just minorities, but to any sorts of people depending on where they come from, what they like, their identity in whatever form, is wrong and shouldn't play a role in deciding on your path.

"So I can only say 'Be proud of who you are, what you are and what you like and stand up for it'.

"To all the people that are obviously of a different opinion, I think their time is ticking and, you know, they are going to be extinct."