The rainbow runabout from Munich is threatened with a fine for his appearance at the European Championship game between Germany and Hungary. But support is forming on the Internet.
Before the European Championship group match between Germany and Hungary, he made his big appearance: A speedster stormed onto the lawn with a rainbow flag during the Hungarian national anthem. He was quickly taken away from the stewards and was only seen briefly on television. Nevertheless, the pictures went around the world afterwards.
Now the speedster, an 18-year-old from Frechen in North Rhine-Westphalia, is threatened with legal consequences. Apparently the police have already received several reports of trespassing. In the event of a conviction, a fine is usually due, which is based on the financial circumstances of the perpetrator and the gravity of the crime. According to RTL, a fine of up to 20,000 euros is possible.
Flitzer wanted to set an example for diversity with the rainbow flag
Even during the game, the intruder had received a lot of support from social networks on the Internet. But it shouldn’t just be words: On the crowdfunding platform “GoFundMe”, users collect donations for the runabout in Munich in order to be able to cover legal fees and a possible fine. In the meantime, more than 7,000 euros have been raised.
With his action before the game, the young man wanted to protest against the exclusion of homosexuals – especially in Hungary. The Hungarian parliament recently approved a law restricting young people’s right to information about homosexuality and transsexuality in Hungary. The DFB and the city of Munich also wanted to set an example against this and applied for the stadium to shine in rainbow colors on matchday. However, Uefa rejected this – it was an illegal political statement, according to the football association.
Nevertheless, the speedster was not the only one who set an example for social diversity that evening: As in previous European championships, national team captain Manuel Neuer wore a rainbow armband, Leon Goretzka showed a heart in the audience after his decisive goal and so did many Fans waved rainbow flags in the stands.
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.
