Belgium politician wears ‘One Love’ armband at World Cup
A politician in Belgium has created a diplomatic incident by donning a “One Love” armband during the FIFA World Cup.
A Socialist politician’s gesture at the tournament which is taking place in Russia may have been a response to a football chant that has become synonymous with the tournament’s opening ceremony.
The symbol is the union flag, but is also a universal message of respect for the world’s diverse people.
In a video uploaded by the official account of the Belgian delegation, Socialist lawmaker Jean-Pierre Van Ommen wears the armband bearing the message during the opening ceremony of the tournament, which starts on Friday.
He is then filmed receiving an award for a player he supports.
“It’s a simple gesture but it’s also a universal message of respect for the world,” he told reporters.
The Socialist politician said he wore the armband because “many people around the world are celebrating the opening of the World Cup.”
The country is in the group that will represent Europe in the tournament.
Van Ommen said the armband was the best idea he has come up with while wearing it.
Van Ommen joked that he was wearing his armband even though he was not allowed to bring political signs into the stadium.
The World Cup is expected to attract many visitors to Russia, where an estimated 20 million people are expected to watch the tournament.
But the symbol of peace and respect is expected to stir controversy.
After the United States played Germany in the semi-final, an American player yelled: “Do you love soccer or what?”
It is not clear whether the chant was intended as a reference to the armband or to the World Cup itself.
Many nations around the world have used the armband to express their support for the World Cup tournament, but it is seen as a symbol for peace and respect for other people.
But one man wearing the armband in Russia has been criticised online for insulting the people of
