Hitzlsperger advocates for LGBTQ+ equality with rainbow armband.©(@NotoriousJOS )
Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay after retiring from football a decade ago, has praised those who wear the rainbow armband to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the sport. Hitzlsperger, who made his announcement in 2014 to advance the conversation about homosexuality in professional sports, reflected on the significant progress made since then.
Each year, the Premier League partners with the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall for the Rainbow Laces campaign, encouraging players and teams to wear rainbow armbands to symbolize diversity and acceptance. However, some players, like Ipswich captain Sam Morsy and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, have recently faced scrutiny for not fully participating in the campaign. Morsy chose not to wear the rainbow armband, citing personal religious beliefs, while Guehi added messages about Jesus to his, raising questions about the balance between personal beliefs and inclusivity.
Hitzlsperger acknowledged the progress made over the years but emphasized that the conversation should move beyond individual actions. “We have come a long way, but it’s misguided not to appreciate that we may never be in a perfect scenario, given the way society is reflected in football,” he said. Reflecting on his career, Hitzlsperger recalled times when teammates were openly offensive in the dressing room regarding homosexuality. He stressed that the rainbow armband is not about promoting homosexuality but rather about fighting discrimination and encouraging a tolerant, inclusive environment for all.
The former player expressed hope that players, regardless of their personal views, would continue to show support for fighting discrimination. He stressed the importance of footballers using their platform to advocate for fundamental human rights. He pointed out that even players who might not wear the armband or support the campaign, in the same way, should not be used as a basis for generalizing the entire sport.
Hitzlsperger also addressed the potential negative impact of rejecting the rainbow armband, urging footballers to consider the broader message of unity and acceptance. He pointed to the many positive developments within football, citing the majority of captains who wear the armband, the widespread use of rainbow colours during warm-ups, and the efforts of LGBTQ+ fan clubs within the sport. Hitzlsperger believes it is crucial to highlight the good work being done by clubs and players rather than focusing on isolated incidents.
He also noted the broader context, pointing out that the rainbow armband is part of a global movement, with corporations and organizations worldwide using rainbow colours to signal support for LGBTQ+ rights. He believes the focus should be on education and evolving the conversation rather than subjecting players to heightened scrutiny.
Reflecting on players’ moral dilemmas, especially the debate over Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia, Hitzlsperger acknowledged the issue’s complexity. Footballers, he noted, are held to high standards, but this should not preclude them from engaging in conversations that promote understanding and inclusivity.
In conclusion, Hitzlsperger reiterated that while there are still challenges, significant strides have been made in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in football, and he called on players and fans to continue supporting these efforts.
