How did Orkun Kökçü’s failure to put on the rainbow-colored captain’s armband resonate within the Netherlands?

The refusal of nationwide soccer participant Orkun Kökçü, captain of Feyenoord, one of many Dutch 1st Soccer League (Eredivisie) groups, to put on his rainbow-colored armband, which symbolizes the LGBTI+ motion, for “non secular causes” created an issue within the nation.

Whereas organizations defending LGBTI+ rights declared that they had been disillusioned with Kökçü’s conduct, some Feyenoord supporters additionally supported the soccer participant.

Earlier than the AZ – Feyenoord match performed on Sunday, Kökçü had introduced that he wouldn’t put on the rainbow coloured captain’s band, which symbolizes the acceptance of LGBTI+ people “due to their non secular beliefs”.

For that reason, Gernot Trauner took the sector because the captain as an alternative of Kökçü. The success of Feyenoord, who defeated the away chief AZ 3-1 with the opening objective of Kökçü, was overshadowed by the talk about LGBTI+ people.

After Kökçü, Excelsior captain Redouan El Yaakoubi went to the Ajax sport performed on Sunday night with a white band that learn “Respect” as an alternative of a rainbow coloured armband.

The group captains of the Dutch 1st League determined to go to the weekend matches with a rainbow-colored armband with the phrases “One Love” to be able to welcome LGBTI+ people in the neighborhood.

The truth that Kökçü, captain of Feyenoord, one of many well-established golf equipment of the nation, didn’t put on this armband attributable to his non secular beliefs, brought on the response of LGBTI+ organizations within the Netherlands.

Paul van Dorst, head of the supporter group Roze Comrades (Pink Comrades), advised AD newspaper, “Kökçü’s choice could be very unlucky and unhappy. That is his private alternative. “We’re delighted that Gernot Trauner is sporting the tape.”

In response to Van Dorst, placing Kökçü’s armband on would have cleared many prejudices.

Karin Blankenstein, President of the John Blankenstein Basis, which has been working for the acceptance of LGBTI+ people in sports activities fields within the Netherlands since 2008, advised the newspaper, “It’s unlucky that Kökçü’s non secular beliefs brought on this. I’ve at all times been taught that perception means love.”

The director of the inspiration, named after homosexual soccer referee John Blankenstein, additionally opposes any strain on Kökçü on this challenge.

Karin Blankenstein stated, “That is his perception, clearly vital. Let’s present some understanding to one another, this can take you additional than simply muddying one another. However Kökçü performs soccer within the Netherlands. Right here, too, you need to adapt a little bit to the requirements and values,” stated Karin Blankenstein.

In response to Blankenstein, Kökçü’s choice exhibits that there are nonetheless extra steps to be taken to eradicate homophobia each inside and out of doors of soccer.

Dutch Federation of LGBTI+ Associations (COC) Rotterdam President Arjen Beune argued that Kökçü’s conduct was a slap to LGBTI+ people on October 11, an LGBTI+ consciousness day, which emphasizes visibility.

Beune stated, “Contemplating what has occurred earlier than in Feyenoord, you have got a sure exemplary perform. If Kökçü doesn’t need this, what does he need to do to extend LGBTI+ acceptance and cut back hostility in stadiums?” stated.

Former Fenerbahce participant Pierre van Hooijdonk, commentator on the Studio Soccer program at public broadcaster NOS, described Kökçü’s conduct as a “missed alternative”.

One other commentator, Ibrahim Afellay, of Moroccan origin, said that he didn’t agree with Van Hooijdonk’s opinion:

“We’re at all times speaking about understanding. The Rooter makes it clear that he understands every part. Simply since you do not personal one thing doesn’t suggest you do not respect it. Let’s perceive his viewpoint, too.”

Van Hooijdonk, after Afellay’s phrases, “I desire Orkun Kökçü. I respect him, however I do not perceive his choice.”

PSV Technical Director Ruud van Nistelrooy stated that Feyenoord captain Orkun Kökçü’s scenario is troublesome for a coach.

Van Nistelrooy stated the next on questions after the Utrecht match:

“I might talk about this with my captain. I might additionally make another person captain for a match. However thankfully, that is not the case with us. I absolutely assist the LGBTI+ individuals assist motion. I assist inclusion 1000 p.c in all areas.”

Kökçü’s choice was essentially the most talked about matter on social media yesterday within the Netherlands.

Rotterdam Metropolis Council member Labor Occasion Co Engbeets criticized Kökçü in a Twitter message, arguing that as a captain, the membership ought to unfold its values.

“Is it an excessive amount of to assist somebody to specific themselves as they’re? Faith is a really oppressive factor,” stated the Rotterdam politician.

A Twitter consumer additionally said that Islam additionally prohibits playing and argued that “Kökçü’s rejection of the rainbow coloured armband whereas he was on the sector sporting a shirt with a playing commercial was hypocritical.”

One other consumer shared the message, “Welcome to the Netherlands, Kökçü. You’ve gotten proved as soon as once more what everybody is aware of; Islam doesn’t belong to the Netherlands.”

Whereas a few of the social media customers wished Orkun Kökçü to be faraway from the Feyenoord captaincy, some customers additionally supported the Turkish origin participant.

Researcher Annelies Strijke, identified for her far-right views, famous in her Twitter message:

“Anybody could be who they need to be so long as you have got your vaccinations, consider the NOS information, assist Ukraine, put on a rainbow band, consider authorised scientists, abide by local weather hysteria. If not? You then’re not illiberal.”

Some customers additionally supported Kökçü’s conduct, arguing that “within the so-called open-minded Netherlands, there is no such thing as a room for ideas opposite to the prevailing view”.

One other social media consumer who helps Orkun Kökçü stated, “We’ll applaud the Dutch Nationwide Crew collectively in Qatar subsequent month,” arguing that the reactions to the conduct of the Feyenoord captain are hypocritical.

Qatar is ceaselessly criticized by the Dutch media for alleged human rights violations. For that reason, it’s mentioned that the Netherlands shouldn’t ship senior officers to the opening of the World Cup in Qatar.