England in awkward spot over armband row as Denmark’s Kjaer speaks out

Denmark captain Simon Kjaer has insisted he is “fine” with risking receiving a yellow card for wearing the OneLove armband at the World Cup as England’s row with FIFA rumbles on. The FA could back down in their fight against the world football governing body after being warned they could be handed sporting sanctions if Harry Kane sports the armband against Iran on Monday.

The Football Association may be forced to back down in their ongoing row with FIFA over the OneLove armband, having revealed their intention to wear it back in September. The FA’s CEO Mark Bullingham admitted they may have to explore alternative ways to mark their support for inclusivity if FIFA follow through on sporting sanctions.

But while the Three Lions are considering a climbdown, Denmark captain Kjaer has boldly suggested he would happily take a caution in a World Cup game for wearing the armband.

When discussing the issue on Monday in a press conference, he told reporters: “I’m fine by that,” referring to picking up a booking if it means wearing the captain’s armband as planned.

The OneLove armband was designed to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, with same-sex relationships illegal in Qatar and punishments including jail time.

Wales, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland were also expected to show their support for marginalised communities while competing in a Gulf state. However, FIFA’s threats of punishment via ‘sporting sanctions’ have seemingly sparked a last-ditch U-turn.

The Netherlands have officially dropped out of contention, which could encourage other nations to take a similar stance.

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