UEFA announced on Sunday June 20 the opening of a disciplinary investigation into a homophobic banner deployed in Budapest during Hungary-Portugal (0-3) on Tuesday June 15, then monkey cries heard on Saturday June 19 in the platform of the ultras Hungarian in the Hungary-France match (1-1).
The European body has appointed “An ethical and disciplinary inspector” to investigate “Potential discriminatory incidents in the Puskas Arena in Budapest” during these two meetings of the group stage of the Euro, she said in a press release. A UEFA spokesperson confirmed that the investigations into Hungary-Portugal focused on a homophobic banner denounced by the anti-discrimination network FARE, and reported Wednesday by the site The Athletic.
Regarding Hungary-France, Saturday, it is monkey cries perceptible by people nearby, but not by the vast majority of the stadium, according to witnesses. They shot from the bottom of the stands of the Hungarian ultras, drowned in the growl of the 56,000 supporters of the only full enclosure of the Euro.
Protest against a law targeting the LGBT community
The incidents come as UEFA plans to move the scheduled semi-finals and final in London to Budapest if the UK government does not grant any quarantine exemptions, according to corroborating sources.
Hungary adopted a text on Tuesday (June 15th) prohibiting the “promotion” of homosexuality among minors, causing concern among rights defenders, while the sovereignist government of Viktor Orban is increasing restrictions on the LGBT community.
The city of Munich also announced on Sunday its intention to ask the European body for authorization to light up its stadium in the rainbow colors of the LGBT community in protest against this law, for the match Germany -Hungary which will take place on Wednesday 23 June.