Qatar TV brutally mocks Germany after World Cup protest: 'Rattled'
Qatar TV have taken a parting shot at Germany after their shock FIFA World Cup elimination after the European powerhouses made a silent protest for inclusion in the first group match.
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In a World Cup full of upsets, Germany finished third in the standings behind Group E winners Japan, who took top spot ahead of Spain courtesy of a come-from-behind 2-1 win against the European powerhouses. The result leaves Japan facing Croatia in the last 16 while Spain will face Morocco.
For one of the pre-tournament favourites Germany, there was nothing but bitter disappointment as Hansi Flick's side failed to get past the group stages for the second consecutive World Cup. Germany also made headlines after their silent protest before game one.
The outlawing of same-sex relationships in Qatar has also been a sticking point, with fans prevented from entering stadiums with rainbow colours worn in support for LGBTQ+ causes. FIFA also warned captains they were not allowed to wear the 'OneLove' armbands, which captain Manuel Neur was expected to wear.
In response to FIFA's threat of sporting penalties for human rights protests, German players all held their hands over their mouths, to signify they were being muzzled by football's governing body. However, following their exit, a TV panel in Qatar were filmed mocking the Germans.
The panel put their hands to the mouth to replicate the gesture, but waved goodbye in a mocking manner. The act caused a strong response on social media. Reporter John Delaney pointed out that the German team's silent protest clearly 'rattled' many in Qatar.
It's remarkable to see how parts of Qatar have been rattled by a simple show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community - when everybody is supposed to be "welcome"
Germany may be out but they claimed a bigger win - the players, ironically, used their voicehttps://t.co/yojipwwTX5— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) December 2, 2022
Germany fight for OneLove armband
In a move seen around the world, Germany's interior minister Nancy Faeser, who is also responsible for sports, also wore a OneLove armband in the grandstand while sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the first game.
"It was a sign from the team, from us, that FIFA is muzzling us," Germany coach Hansi Flick told reporters. In a statement, the German football federation backed the stance being taken by their players, arguing sport was a crucial venue for protest to occur.
“Human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important for us," the statement read.
“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”
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