Protesting Racism... Harry Kane, Who Also Raised His Hand at an EPL Match, Wears a 'Rainbow Armband' in Solidarity with LGBTQ+ Community
England Premier League (EPL) players participating in the anti-racism kneeling performance. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] England, which belongs to Group B in the Qatar World Cup, will perform the 'kneeling' gesture during the tournament.
On the 20th (local time), England national team manager Gareth Southgate stated at a press conference held in Doha, Qatar, "We decided to perform the kneeling gesture before the start of the match. I felt it was necessary." He added, "We believe that kneeling will be a powerful expression to show young people around the world how important inclusion is."
Players in the English Premier League (EPL) have been performing the kneeling gesture before matches to protest against racial discrimination. However, as racial discrimination in football has not been eradicated and doubts about the effectiveness of the gesture have arisen, the EPL office announced in August that the gesture would only be performed during the season opener, anti-racism campaign rounds, and Boxing Day (December 26, the day after Christmas). Southgate said, "Of course, I know that in the EPL, this gesture is only performed in certain matches, big matches," and added, "We think the biggest event is this World Cup."
It is analyzed that England's decision to perform this gesture at the World Cup is related to controversies such as the treatment of migrant workers and the oppression of LGBTQ+ rights in the host country, Qatar. Homosexuality is criminalized in Qatar, and England has been one of the countries strongly critical of this issue. Accordingly, England team captain Harry Kane announced that he will wear a rainbow-colored 'One Love' armband during matches. The One Love armband features a heart filled with rainbow colors and the number '1,' symbolizing opposition to various forms of discrimination, including against sexual minorities. FIFA regulations prohibit players from using equipment that contains political or religious messages or images. England has maintained its stance to wear the armband even if it means paying fines according to FIFA regulations. Meanwhile, on the 19th, FIFA suddenly announced on its website that it plans to provide armbands themed around education, health, and anti-discrimination in cooperation with UN agencies at different stages of the tournament, such as the group stage, round of 16, and quarterfinals.
England will play its first match against Iran at 10 p.m. on the 21st (Korean time), coincidentally a country where human rights issues have recently escalated due to hijab protests and other factors.
Meanwhile, according to a report by the British Daily Mail on the 20th (local time), if England wins this World Cup, each player will receive a bonus of 500,000 pounds (about 800 million KRW), and manager Southgate will receive 3 million pounds (about 4.8 billion KRW). Southgate's annual salary is known to be 6 million pounds (about 960 million KRW), so if they win, he will receive half of his annual salary as a bonus. The England Football Association had promised a winner's bonus of 215,000 pounds per player during the 2018 Russia World Cup four years ago, but this time the prize money has more than doubled. The Daily Mail also predicted, "If England wins, players could receive huge bonuses from their personal sponsors as well."
South Korea provides a basic reward of 20 million KRW per player for World Cup finals participation, with an additional 30 million KRW for each win and 10 million KRW for a draw. Furthermore, if the team reaches the round of 16, an additional 100 million KRW per player is given, and 200 million KRW each if they advance to the quarterfinals.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
