Recently, it became known that the Norwegian Football Association is one of ten national associations participating in the “OneLove” campaign, where national team captains will play with colorful and rainbow-like hearts on their captain’s armbands as a symbol to promote inclusion and show resistance to discrimination. England, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Wales and Sweden are participating in the campaign together with Norway. Therefore, Martin Ødegaard also played with this captain’s armband against Slovenia on Saturday. Martin Ødegaard played with the new captain’s armband against Slovenia. Photo: Fredrik Varfjell / NTB However, Tuesday’s opponent Serbia confirms to news that they declined to participate. Captain Dusan Tadic will therefore play with a neutral captain’s armband against Norway at Ullevaal in the fateful match on Tuesday evening. – They have to answer that. I think it is very good that we are involved, and that we can do something with other countries and reinforce the message that way. I think it is good that we are involved, and then they have to answer for what they think, says Martin Ødegaard to news. – The use of the rainbow bandage is unnecessary. news has been in contact with Jovan Surbatovic, general secretary of the Serbian Football Association, and he answers questions like this about why they do not want to participate. – We did not react positively to the inquiry, because we only focus on football. Anything that can cause a provocation of any kind to the public and fans, or that can be understood as a form of politicization, is unacceptable to us. We will maintain a sporting and politically neutral position, writes Surbatovic in a statement to news. The Serbian Secretary General emphasizes that Serbia is in favor of universal values and messages such as “stop war”, but believes there is a limit. – The use of the rainbow bandage is very sensitive to our society and unnecessary. We only focus on football. There are different social groups and religious communities among our fans and we respect the right of every individual to freely express their views, but we repeat – these matters are not suitable for football and the stadium is not the place for these kinds of matters. That is the attitude of the Serbian Football Association, emphasizes Surbatovic. Dusan Tadic and Serbia have chosen not to play with the rainbow-like rainbow flag. Photo: LUDVIG THUNMAN / BILDBYRÅN Ødegaard: – In particular, Serbia’s press chief informs news that the association does not wish to comment on the matter any further. Ødegaard is puzzled by the explanation from the Serbian side. – I think it is quite special, but I am happy that we are involved. It is good that we do it together with other countries and reinforce the message, says Ødegaard. news has submitted the statements to NFF president Lise Klaveness, but she has not yet responded to the inquiry. – I react strongly Inge Alexander Gjestvang, leader of Fri – the association for gender and sexuality diversity, is upset by the Serbs’ position. – I react strongly to the fact that the Serbian Football Association does not consider queer rights to be a universal value. The so-called neutrality they now choose will instead stand as a clear symbol, says Gjestvang to news. The FRI leader believes we should never underestimate the potential sport has to take the lead and express and manage values. – If sport is really to be for everyone, we need brave athletes and associations that say something about which values should apply both on the pitch and in the stands, he believes. Inge Alexander Gjestvang shakes his head at Serbia’s position. Photo: Bård Nafstad / news – A mildly strange understanding Homosexuality as a topic is inflamed in Serbia. The first two pride marches in Belgrade took place in 2001 and 2010 and were both marked by violence. This year, the Serbian authorities banned the Europride march that was to take place in Belgrade on 17 September. – This is a dark day primarily for all queers in Serbia. The ban on organizing Europride is another step away from a liberal and open Europe. It is simply terribly sad, said Høyre’s 1st deputy leader Henrik Asheim when the ban came. Gjestvang believes this shows that the country has a job to do in taking gay rights seriously. – When Europride was held in Belgrade earlier in September, the Serbian president tried to cancel it, based on the fear of reactions from right-wing extremists. It shows a mildly strange understanding of where the problem lies and how to solve it, Gjestvang believes. – About everyone being the same Several have pointed out that the OneLove captain’s armband does not actually contain the correct colors of a rainbow. Among other things, black is represented. Germany coach Hansi Flick thinks it doesn’t matter that the rainbow isn’t real. – It’s not just about the colors of the rainbow, but all the colors. It’s about us all being the same, says Flick. England captain Kane says he is proud to help support the OneLove campaign. – As captains, we compete against each other on the field, but we stand together against all forms of discrimination, says Kane in a press release. Norway’s match against Serbia will be played on Tuesday at 20.45 at Ullevaal Stadium. You can watch the drama on TV 2 or listen live on news Sport with Olav Traaen and Åge Hareide as commentators. Norway will be group winners with a win or a draw against the Serbs.
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