Footballer refuses to wear rainbow armband in Netherlands
Feyenoord star Orkun Kokcu preferred to give up the captaincy if it meant not having to wear a One Love rainbow armband in the Eredivisie Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Orkun Kokcu relinquished the Feyenoord captaincy rather than make the gesture
Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu did not captain his team in their Eredivisie match against AZ Alkmaar on Sundy after refusing to wear a rainbow armband.
The 21-year-old of Turkish and Azerbaijani origin had skippered Feyenoord for their previous five matches, but cited religious reasons for his decision not to wear the armband at the weekend.
“I have decided not to wear the rainbow captain's armband of this round,” Kokcu said in a message shared by his club.
“I do think it is important to emphasize that I have respect for everyone regardless of religion, background or preference. I believe that everyone is free to do whatever they want or feel.
“I understand very well what the importance of this action is, but because of my religious beliefs I do not feel the right person to support this,” he added.
Kokcu, who was born in the Netherlands but represents Turkey at international level, said his religious beliefs made him uncomfortable with wearing the captain’s armband, but he accepted that some people might be “disappointed with this.”
1️⃣0️⃣
