Brekalo on Wolfsburg's LGBT armband: 'I don't want to carry a symbol representing them'
Wolfsburg's Josip Brekalo has created a fuss with his controversial comments about his club's new rainbow captain's armband.
At the start of this season, Wolfsburg announced that the captains of all the club's men's, women's and youth teams will wear a rainbow armband as a gesture of support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) social movements.
Wolfsburg sporting director Jörg Schmadtke explained that Wolfsburg "stand for a tolerant society" and want to "take a stance against discrimination" as a club.
While many have backed up the initiative, it hasn't been well received by Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo, 20, who says he doesn't want to carry the symbol of diversity.
"I have to say that I can't stand completely behind this action, because it contradicts my Christian belief. I've been raised religiously. I’m fine with people living a different lifestyle, because that's their business. But I don't want and don't have to carry a symbol representing them," Brekalo told Kicker.
Josuha Guilavogui, who wears the armband for the men's first team, has made it clear that he supports the message that the rainbow symbol represents.
"We footballers are role models and want to use the rainbow sign to show that everyone is welcome in the stadium - no matter which skin color or gender you have, who you love, if you have a physical handicap or what your beliefs are. Football is for everyone."