So, fearful of sporting sanctions from Fifa, the England and Wales national teams will not now wear One Love armbands at the World Cup.
Harry Kane, Gareth Bale and co were set to wear the symbols of tolerance and inclusivity when they took to pitch in Qatar.
The heart-shaped multi-coloured armband with a one in the middle is worn by the captains of several European international football teams to promote LGBTQ+ rights.
This simple message, started in the Netherlands, tells the world it is wrong that in 2022 someone can be imprisoned for the crime of being gay.
But under the threat of a yellow card, the Football Associations of England and Wales have folded.
They and five other European football associations issued a joint statement on Monday insisting these poor fellas just cannot be put in a situation where they might be booked.
The truth? They have run scared when asked to pay a price for something they said they strongly believed in.
One Love armbands could have said so much
It is very easy to stand up when it costs you nothing.
It is not hard to get behind symbols when all that’s required is the wearing of an armband and a friendly word or two.
The real test is when a conviction requires just a bit of bravery and sacrifice.
But instead of displays of courage when England take on Iran, and Wales the United States, we will be greeted by a field of cowards.
Two squads of men who had the power to say something important, but the guts to do so little.
Teams lacking the boldness to stand up to Fifa, an organisation that, in the eyes of many fans, has done more to damage football than anything else.
Missed opportunity as the fight goes on
Far more than just a game, football has an enormous ability to inspire.
When national teams appear in front of millions at a World Cup, they have a power unequalled by any politician or campaign group.
They can be seen and heard in corners of the globe, telling people who live in fear and isolation that they matter too.
Captains face yellow card for wearing the One Love armband, whilst LGBTQI+ people in Qatar face the death penalty for being themselves…
One love until it gets hard aye! ✌🏼
— Beth Fisher (@BethFisherSport) November 21, 2022
The wearing of One Love armbands was never going to lead to the reversal of a centuries-old bigotry.
But it would have sent a message around the world.
A sign that these powerful, over-privileged men support the rights of others to live in freedom.
A sign that tomorrow could be better for everyone, and that the fight is worth the cost.
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