Leon Goretzka knocked Hungary out of Euro 2020 with a late goal in a dramatic finale to Group F.
Despite the unbridled joy he must have felt, he had the presence of mind to make a heart at the Hungary fans – those who’ve been accused of homophobia and racism.
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After the game, he tweeted: “Spread the love. Yes!!!!!”
Germany’s stand against their opponents had been a talking point throughout the build-up to the game.
A pitch invader brandishing a rainbow flag disrupted the Hungary national anthem before their Euro 2020 clash.
The spectator stopped in front of the Hungary players, before being tackled to the ground by stewards at the match.
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AFP
Dozens of fans had brought rainbow flags, a symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement, to the match to make a stand in response to Hungary’s parliament banning gay people from appearing in school educational materials or programmes for under-18s.
UEFA had earlier declined a request for the Allianz Arena to be lit up in rainbow colours before the match.
European football’s governing body refused to allow the gesture due to its political context.
“Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies – and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today,” a statement from UEFA read.
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“Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.
“However UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this specific request – a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament – UEFA must decline this request.”
UEFA suggested the stadium be lit up in rainbow colours on either June 28 – the Christopher Street Liberation Day – or between July 3 and 9 which is the Christopher Street Day week in Munich.
The decision came after Germany captain Manuel Neuer was deemed to be ‘promoting a good cause’ while wearing a rainbow-coloured armband to mark Pride Month during the victory over Portugal.
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He continued to wear the armband as Germany drew 2-2 with Hungary to book their place in the last-16
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