Humberto Tan, chairman of the Mijnals committee against racism and discrimination, is disappointed with Feyenoord captain Orkun Kökcü, who will not wear the OneLove band against racism and discrimination during the duel with Ajax this weekend. “I don’t understand why as a club you don’t support such an action,” says Tan.
Kökcü refused to wear the special captain’s armband in October during the previous week of action because of his religious beliefs. The action then took place in the week of Coming Out Day and the 22-year-old Haarlemmer said he wanted to be “not a signboard” for the LGBTI movement. This weekend is the action in the context of the International Day against Racism and Discrimination (Tuesday 21 March). The Turkish international stated on Sunday at NOS that he supports the action. “But I do have the feeling that the OneLove band was created for a different reason.”
As chairman of the Mijnals committee, set up in 2020 to help the KNVB realize its ambitions regarding racism, discrimination and inclusivity, Tan believes that it is “his right not to wear the OneLove band”. “However, it is not about individual players, it is about the clubs. I understand something about FIFA, because they are corrupt. But why not do it as a club?”
Alternate captain armband
Where Ajax captain Dusan Tadic will wear the OneLove band on Sunday during the Classic, Kökcü may wear an alternative captain’s band against racism. “A waste of energy”, says Tan. “Why would you want to reinvent the wheel? I hope such an eventual action raises awareness, but it would have been stronger to form a united front.”
Tan and the Mijnals committee do not intend to enter into discussions with the clubs in response to the refusal. “We are there as a committee to advise the KNVB, not to address clubs.”
Asked whether the action still makes sense in the future now that one of the largest clubs in the Netherlands may not participate in one of the most important matches of the season, Tan responds resolutely. “Of course that makes sense. If Feyenoord, Ajax or PSV become champions this season, it still makes sense to play football again next year. The intention is that this will take place structurally, not incidentally. So next year again.” said Tan.
Source: ANP
