Former Qatar international and now World Cup ambassador, Khalid Salman, told German broadcaster ZDF that LGBTQ+ people should just “accept our rules” if they are attending the tournament later this month.
During Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win against Werder Bremen on Tuesday night, a message amongst the Bayern ultras read: “Damaged minds! F*** you Khalid & Co.” This comes after Salman said that ‘Homosexuality in haram’ before adding: “I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind.”
When questioned about Salman’s interview, Leon Goretzka made a clear statement on Tuesday evening: “It’s very oppressive. This gives a human image from another millennium, it’s not what we stand for and not what we set an example for. It’s absolutely unacceptable to make such a statement.”
Qatar open the World Cup against Ecuador on November 20. Germany’s tournament kicks-off with a game against Japan three days later before playing Spain and Costa Rica.
Goretzka will represent Germany at the World Cup alongside Bayern teammates Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané.
The 27-year-old has represented Die Mannschaft on 44 occasions, scoring 14 goals, and will be a key player for Hansi Flick, providing competition for Ilkay Gündogan alongside Kimmich.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
