Alex Scott has appeared on air wearing the One Love armband during the Qatar World Cup.
It comes after England and Wales announced the teams would not wear the armbands after Fifa warned they would impose “sporting sanctions” if the captains wore them on the field of play.
A joint statement from seven European nations who had signed up to the One Love campaign – which included England and Wales – confirmed the armbands would no longer be worn due to fear of a yellow card being issued.
Harry Kane instead wore FIFA’s ‘No discrimination’ armband – which is not rainbow coloured – as England started their campaign against Iran on Monday afternoon.
Alex Scott has appeared on air wearing the One Love armband during the Qatar World Cup.
Martin Rickett
The BBC pundit was widely praised on social media with one Twitter user, Jack Duncan, saying: “Always said if you're going to go cover this tournament, then use that platform for good. Alex Scott is showing support for LGBTQ people to millions in the UK and around the world.”
Another tweeted: “Alex Scott, a queer woman of colour, wearing the one love armband just shows that she has so much more courage than anyone walking on that pitch today.”
Others called out the hypocrisy for appearing at the tournament in the first place, @JustJordan47 said: “She’s so against it she’s there being paid to cover it, so brave”.
Rio Ferdinand, accused the seven European nations who had signed up to the One Love campaign of crumbling at the first sign of resistance.
Speaking in the build-up to England’s game against Iran, Ferdinand said: “You can’t win as a footballer. You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
“If you speak out people say you’re not a politician, be quiet, get back in your box. If you speak out ‘Oh you think you’re a politician now’.
“It’s very difficult and that’s why I think the federations have to be stronger, the organisations have to come at this together as a unified approach and say this is where we stand.
“They’ve had one bump in the road and they’ve all folded like a pack of cards.”
Harry Kane instead wore FIFA’s ‘No discrimination’ armband.
Mike Egerton
Former England striker Alan Shearer said he believes it is unfair on the players to be embroiled in such situations on the day of a game, adding: “It would have made a huge statement.
“Can you imagine Harry Kane coming out with that armband on, and then what would FIFA do?”
FIFA’s decision also drew criticism from the British Government.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan wrote on Twitter: “The England & Wales players have my support.
“The #OneLove armband promotes diversity and inclusion, which are values we will always stand up for. It is disappointing that our players are put in a position where they face being punished for supporting equal human rights.”
