Referee Lahoz went down on his knees as a sign against racism
The European Football Union UEFA supports the protests against racism during the European Championship. Expressly also when the referees join in and get on one knee. “Any player or official” is allowed to do this, the UEFA announced on Sunday in response to a dpa request after Russia's game against Belgium on Saturday evening.
Before the kick-off in St. Petersburg, the Belgian players and referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz were on their knees. Clear whistles and boos could then be heard from the audience in the Russian arena.
“We urge the audience to show respect to the players and teams who are on their knees,” said UEFA, referring to its “zero tolerance” for racism. Everyone should stand up for equality between people.
Before the European Championship, for example, the players of the English national team went to the ground with one knee for a few seconds before their test matches against Austria and Romania, thus setting an example against racism.
