Orange players during training session in Zeist. Photo: ANP/Bart Stoutjesdijk
During the exhibition game of the Dutch national team against Germany, last Tuesday, the public chanted “All Germans are gay”. Should Orange players speak out against this just as they do with racist chants?
Players of the Dutch national team should speak out with gay-unfriendly chants just like they do with racist chants. This is what Karin Blankenstein, chairman of the John Blankenstein Foundation, advocates. This foundation is committed to the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in sport.
During the practice match between Orange and Germany, last Tuesday in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, the public sang “All Germans are gay” several times. The stadium speaker did not call for this to be stopped.
Players also seemed to take little offense. They now express themselves emphatically about racism in sports, should they also do the same with gay-unfriendly chants?