UEFA has blocked a rainbow stadium display at the Euro 2020 tournament as it claimed the gesture has a "political context."
The organization denied a request to light up the Munich-based stadium in rainbow colors during Pride Month ahead of the Germany vs Hungary game.
Per Independent, the request for the display was received from the mayor of the German city, Dieter Reiter, on Monday, June 21.
The organization explained that the request was made because in Hungary, there is a law that prevents LGBTQ+ people from appearing in educational materials or programs for those under 18.
UEFA, after explaining its reasoning, then suggested alternative dates that the stadium could be lit up in the Pride colors.
"Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies - and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today," a statement read.
It continued: "Discriminatory behavior has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.
"However UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organization. Given the political context of this specific request - a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament - Uefa must decline this request."
Per Daily Mail, the decision to prevent the display from taking place because of alledged political reasons comes after the UFEA allowed players to take the knee before their games.
This is a political gesture that originated in America, which is used to protest racial inequality.
Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said: "Thank God that in the circles of European football leadership common sense still prevails and they did not play along with the political provocation. UEFA made the right decision..."
The new dates that have been proposed to light up the Allianz Arena are June 28 or between June 3 and July 9.
The initial motion to light up the stadium read: "The Bavarian state capital supports diversity, tolerance and genuine equality in sport and in society.
"On the occasion of the match between Germany and Hungary, the council wishes to send a visible message of solidarity to the LGBT community in Hungary, which is suffering under recent legislation passed by the Hungarian government."
