Chairman of the John Blankenstein Foundation, Karin Blankenstein, calls it crazy that four players from Telstar football club refuse to play in a rainbow shirt. The foundation is committed to, among other things, gay rights within the football world. According to her, the football club was a forerunner in spreading the message of inclusion and that therefore makes it extra painful. “A handful of players ruin it for the most part.”
According to Karin Blankenstein, it is clear why the four players do not want to wear a rainbow shirt: “It has often happened in the past that people with a certain religious belief do not support inclusive initiatives.” She calls it too crazy for words and makes her despondent.
The John Blankenstein Foundation is a Dutch foundation committed to diversity and acceptance within sports, especially in the context of homosexuality. The foundation is named after John Blankenstein, a former professional football referee in the Netherlands, who was openly gay and campaigned for gay rights in sports. When he died, the foundation was established.
Blankenstein did not expect it, especially at a club like Telstar. She describes the club as a forerunner in spreading the message of inclusion. Telstar had another one in 2021 world first because it played against FC Volendam in a specially designed rainbow outfit. A message that, according to Blankenstein, stands for much more than just LGBTQ+, but also against discrimination based on race, ethnicity and religion.
Hold up a mirror
Blankenstein: “We really thought we had achieved something. And we have. But a handful of people are ruining it for the most part.” She believes that a mirror should be held up to the players.
“Certainly people with a certain religious belief know what it’s like to be discriminated against on a daily basis. I really don’t understand why you wouldn’t stand up for someone else from that point of view, despite your faith.”
She calls on the players to delve more into the theme of inclusion and speaks from her own experience. “Without delving into my brother John, I wouldn’t be here now.” Blankenstein goes on to say that she and her brother have experienced up close what it can do to a person if you do not meet the standard. That is precisely why this is so close to her heart: “Now take a closer look at the children involved. How they stand in this world and how they are bullied. Without delving into my brother John, I wouldn’t be here now.”
KNVB response
A spokesperson for the KNVB said in an initial response that it was extremely unfortunate: “Certainly that a club like Telstar, which has always embraced diversity in the broadest sense of the word, has to deal with this.”