Ireland’s rainbow football jersey
Two national football team, Ireland and the US, will play in a rainbow jerseys for a special game celebrating Pride.
Both teams will be incorporating the rainbow flag into the design of their uniforms.
It will mark the beginning of Pride month.
Ireland and US football teams will wear rainbow jerseys
The Football Association of Ireland revealed on Twitter the design, showing rainbow numbering on the famous green jerseys.
They tweeted: ‘The back of tomorrow’s match kit. Not just a number, this is a statement. Ireland, supporting #LGBT rights.’
The campaign, launched by European football’s governing body last year, is aiming to celebrate and champion inclusivity and diversity.
‘Well done @FAIreland!’ one tweeted.
‘This is not only a wonderful show of solidarity for our LGBT fans but it will also mean so much to so many people in the stands, watching at home and maybe even on the pitch who for whatever reason feel they can’t come out.’
Simon Gillen said: ‘Fair play. Its only a little thing and yet it really means a lot to some. Football is for everyone!’
Sinn Féin Councillor for Ballyfermot and Drimnagh Daithí Doolan also took to Twitter to voice his support of the jersey.
Doolan said: ‘Excellent idea. Important to promote equality on & off the pitch.’
‘God told me not to wear Pride jersey’ on national team
The jerseys have seen criticism from some football stars who didn’t want to wear the kit.
Jaelene Hinkle, who plays for the National Carolina Courage team, was asked to play for the US women’s national soccer team last year.
But while she said it was her ‘dream’, she ended up saying no to the opportunity.
In a recent interview with the 700 club, Hinkle has confirmed it is because she refused to wear a jersey that would show support for the LGBTI community.
‘I felt so convicted in my spirit, that it was not my job to wear this jersey,’ Hinkle said
