Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu has explained why he decided not wear the rainbow armband against AZ Alkmaar on Sunday.
Orkun Kokcu was supposed to captain his team against AZ Alkmaar on Sunday afternoon, but he was unable to do so, as a result, Austrian centre-back Gernot Trauner took his place.
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Following the incident, the club issued a statement explaining why the Turkish international chose not to put on the armband.
It reads:
“I have decided not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband this round. I think it’s important to emphasise that I respect everyone regardless of religion, background or preference.“
I believe that everyone is free to do what they want or feel. I fully understand the importance of this action, but because of my religious beliefs, I don’t feel the right person to support this.
“That’s why I don’t feel comfortable wearing this captain’s armband. I can imagine some people are disappointed with this.”
“That is absolutely not my intention, although I realise that I may not immediately be able to take away that feeling with these words. But I hope that my choice for religious reasons will also be respected.”