The news brand announced a return to their rainbow Pride logo across all print and online platforms, protesting against Qatar’s human rights abuses and in support of the rights of LGBTQ+ people around the world
The decision was made after players were told they would be punished for wearing the One Love armband yesterday during matches.
Metro will continue to support the England team and cover events at the World Cup in Qatar, while continuing to also highlight human rights issues taking place in the host country.
Executive editor Richard Hartley-Parkinson said: “As time has gone on we have become increasingly uncomfortable with the rhetoric around the tournament.
“Following the threat from FIFA over the wearing of the One Love armband, Metro.co.uk has decided to re-introduce its Pride logo, which will run across the website and our social channels in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community throughout the World Cup.
“While we will continue to support England and Wales in the World Cup and will cover the matches, we are disappointed that they – and other nations – have bowed to pressure from FIFA, which in one gesture has undone all the good work of the Rainbow Laces initiative.”
