Leon Goretzka relieved trembling German fans shortly before the end with a 2-2 win against Hungary. When celebrating, he can’t help giving a clear sign to the opposing fans behind the goal.
The game between Germany and Hungary was extremely politically charged beforehand. The venue, Munich, wanted to use rainbow lighting in the Allianz Arena to protest against the homophobic law of the guests, which Uefa prohibited, thus sparking a big debate. In the stadium, rainbow colors could be seen occasionally, but not in the Hungarian block, where the police had also spotted violent neo-Nazis and hooligans. In the middle of the second half, the officials took a preventive stand in front of the mainly black-clad Hungarian supporters.
When Leon Goretzka released the Germans with his hit shortly before the end, he sent a clear message into this block. In the celebration of the goal, the substitute match winner formed a heart with both hands, clearly in the direction of the Hungarian supporters. A little later, the picture was also posted on his Instagram account. “Spread love”, it said.
The Hungarian fans had previously, especially in the first half behind Manuel Neuer, bullied in the direction of the Germans.
Twitter users celebrate Leon Goretzka
Many users in the social networks celebrated Goretzka for the action. The Bayern player has “the heart in the right place”, it was said there. “Goretzka shows the neo-Nazis in the Hungarian block a heart,” wrote journalist Tilo Jung and posted a short video of the scene.
“To say clever sentences on PK’s is one thing. To think so clearly at such a moment and to send such a simple and good message, the other. How outstanding is this Leon Goretzka?”, Wrote another Twitter user. “One heart against the homophobic fascist bloc – #Goretzka now a living legend at the latest!”, Another. “The fact that Goretzka cheers in front of the Hungarian Hools and shows them the heart … THAT is for me a picture of the EM2020”, it read on another Twitter profile.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
