Former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard was not in support of Germany’s symbolic pre-match gesture against Japan.
Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has criticised Germany for their symbolic pre-match gesture against Japan on Wednesday in Qatar.
The Germany national team players covered their mouths with their hands before kick-off against Japan in a bid to inform the world that they were silenced from supporting the LGBT community after being told by FIFA not to wear the ‘OneLove’ armband during games.
Germany would go on to concede two late goals to lose the clash 2-1 to Japan, having led 1-0 at half-time following Ikay Gundogan’s goal from the penalty spot.
The German team was heavily criticised by fans across social media, with many suggesting that they lost the game because they prioritised political issues ahead of their football duty.
And Eden Hazard has echoed the same thing after Belgium managed a tight 1-0 win over Canada hours after the German defeat.
“Yes but afterwards they lost the match,” said Hazard.
“They would have done better not to do it and to win. We are here to play football, I am not here to send a political message.”