UEFA has received an official report regarding displays of homophobia at Tuesday night's Euro 2020 meeting of Hungary and Portugal.
According to The Athletic, photographs emerged on social media of anti-LGBTQ+ banners inside the Puskas Arena.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was also taunted by the sold-out crowd with chants of "Cristiano! Homosexual!). The 36-year old scored twice as Portugal won the game 3-0 and end the first round of matches top of Group F.
The homophobic displays came on the same day that the Hungarian government passed legislation prohibiting the sharing of 'LGBTQ content' with people under the age of 18.
The government of far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban effectively banned the representation of any orientation other than heterosexual in films or advertisements aimed at minors, as well as school sex education programmes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMm0Gh1_DOc&ab_channel=SkifbullChannel
Football against Racism in Europe (FARE) had observers inside the Puskas Arena - as they do at most UEFA matches - and they a report to UEFA’s disciplinary committee on Wednesday night, while also holding discussions with UEFA officials.
News of the homophobic banners and chants comes a week after Hungary fans booed Republic of Ireland players taking the knee in the battle against racism.
Orban backed the booing fans saying, "If you are a guest in a country, then understand its culture and don't provoke the locals."
FARE's executive director Piara Power told The Athletic, "The situation in Hungary is problematic and we do need a better and more firm approach to respect for universal rights being conditional for hosting these matches at major tournaments.
“In Hungary last week their FA issued a statement when they knew the Irish players would take the knee to say it would only be a political gesture.
"This then prompted boos against Irish players and then, a week later, in the same stadium banners are appearing that are homophobic.
“These are political and an endorsement of policies of the government. It all fits together.
“You cannot make a distinction between the government's position and the position of the football association. It shows where Hungary as a country is. It doesn’t bode well for international events.”
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