Oxford’s pride group has expressed disappointment Harry Kane and other captains will not wear the One Love armband during the World Cup, after they faced sporting sanctions from FIFA.

England’s captain, along with Gareth Bale of Wales and captains from several other nations, planned to wear the rainbow armbands on the pitch.

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However, FIFA threatened players with an automatic bookings before they step onto the pitch for wearing the anti-discrimination symbol, with two bookings potentially resulting in a one match ban.

The One Love armband symbolises diversity and inclusion in football.

This year’s World Cup host Qatar has come under fire for its anti-LGBTQ+ laws and well as other human rights issues.

Oxford Mail: Oxford Pride's Debbie Brixey Oxford Pride's Debbie Brixey (Image: Ed Nix)

Debbie Brixey, chair of Oxford Pride said: “Oxford Pride believe that the World Cup should not have been held in Qatar and are disappointed that the captains of England and Wales have been forced to retract their plan to wear the One Love armbands as they promised. 

“Qatar has a history of discrimination and human rights abuses particularly relating to the LGBT+ Community where homosexuality is not only illegal but is also punishable by death.

“There are 70 countries in the World where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are criminalised and 11 of them including Qatar have the possibility of the death penalty.

“When football seems to be attempting to be more inclusive it is shocking that its own governing body has allowed this to happen.”

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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