Hugo Lloris explains why he will not wear rainbow armband in Qatar

Hugo Lloris has explained that he will not wear the rainbow armband during the World Cup as he wants to respect Qatar’s culture.

There has been plenty of controversy regarding the World Cup being held in Qatar, not least the nation’s record on human rights.

Homosexuality remains illegal in the nation, with same-sex conduct punishable by up to seven years in jail as it remains an offence under the Penal Code (Fox Sports).

According to reports, England captain Harry Kane will wear a OneLove armband at the World Cup in Qatar in support of the LGBTQ+ community, even if it is prohibited by FIFA (Sky Sports).

However, the French football federation president Noel Le Graet said last week that he would prefer Lloris not to wear a rainbow armband as he does want to “lecture” other countries on their own laws (ESPN).

The France captain has now agreed with Le Graet’s assessment, insisting that he wants to respect Qatar’s culture when he is in the country.

When asked if he will wear the OneLove armband, the Tottenham man told The Guardian: “Before we start anything, we need the agreement of FIFA, the agreement of the [French] federation. Of course, I have my personal opinion on the topic. And it’s quite close to the [French federation] president’s.

“When we are in France when we welcome foreigners, we often want them to follow our rules, to respect our culture, and I will do the same when I go to Qatar, quite simply. I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I have to show respect.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I cannot agree with Lloris’ morally relativistic point of view here as one’s culture or religion should be irrelevant when it comes to matters of human rights and basic dignity.

However, I do sympathise with the players as it should not be up to professional athletes to take a stand on matters like this. Football’s governing authorities must take the blame for putting some players in a difficult position.

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