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

Yusuf OzkanThe Hague

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 “spiritual causes” created an issue within the nation.

Whereas organizations defending LGBTI+ rights declared that they had been dissatisfied with Kökçü’s habits, 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 spiritual beliefs”.

Because of this, Gernot Trauner took the sphere 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 controversy 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 crew captains of the Dutch 1st League determined to go to the weekend matches with a rainbow-colored armband with the phrases “One Love” with a purpose to welcome LGBTI+ people locally.

‘Religion is all the time love’

The truth that Kökçü, captain of Feyenoord, one of many well-established golf equipment of the nation, didn’t put on this armband on account of his spiritual beliefs, triggered 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 determination could be very unlucky and unhappy. That is his private selection. “We’re delighted that Gernot Trauner is carrying the tape.”

In line with 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 spiritual beliefs triggered this. I’ve all the time been taught that perception means love.”

The director of the muse, named after homosexual soccer referee John Blankenstein, additionally opposes any stress on Kökçü on this concern.

Karin Blankenstein mentioned, “That is his perception, clearly necessary. 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 must adapt a little bit to the requirements and values,” mentioned Karin Blankenstein.

In line with Blankenstein, Kökçü’s determination reveals that there are nonetheless extra steps to be taken to eradicate homophobia each inside and out of doors of soccer.

‘A slap to LGBTI+ people on Consciousness Day’

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

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

Former Fenerbahce van Hooijdonk: A missed alternative

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

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

“We’re all the time speaking about understanding. The Rooter makes it clear that he understands every part. Simply since you do not personal one thing does not imply you do not respect it. Let’s perceive his standpoint, too.”

After Afellay’s phrases, Van Hooijdonk replied, “I respect Orkun Kökçü’s selection, however I don’t perceive his determination.”

PSV Technical Director Ruud van Nistelrooy mentioned that Feyenoord captain Orkun Kökçü’s state of affairs is tough for a coach.

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

“I might focus on this with my captain. I might additionally make another person captain for a match. However happily, that is not the case with us. I absolutely help the LGBTI+ individuals help motion. I help inclusion 1000 % in all areas.”

Additionally it is on the agenda of social media: ‘In line with Islam, playing is prohibited’

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

Rotterdam Metropolis Council member Labor Celebration 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 help somebody to specific themselves as they’re? Faith is a really oppressive factor,” mentioned the Rotterdam politician.

A Twitter consumer additionally acknowledged that Islam additionally prohibits playing and argued that “Kökçü’s rejection of the rainbow coloured armband whereas he was on the sphere carrying 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 might be who they wish to be so long as you’ve gotten your vaccinations, consider the NOS information, help Ukraine, put on a rainbow band, consider authorized scientists, abide by local weather hysteria. If not? You then’re not illiberal.”

Some customers additionally supported Kökçü’s habits, 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 mentioned, “We’ll applaud the Dutch Nationwide Group collectively in Qatar subsequent month,” arguing that the reactions to the habits of the Feyenoord captain are hypocritical.

Qatar is incessantly criticized by the Dutch media for alleged human rights violations. Because of this, it’s mentioned that the Netherlands mustn’t ship senior officers to the opening of the World Cup in Qatar.