Excelsior Rotterdam Strips Captain’s Armband from Player Who Refused OneLove Support

"I think the club no longer wanted me as captain and I thought it was wise to return the armband," El Yaakoubi told Salaheddine on YouTube, stating that the decision was agreed with the club’s management. "I explained why I didn’t want to wear it, because I didn’t feel the OneLove armband was unanimous, but rather intended for the LGBTQ+ group... I’m not against this group, but I’m not for it either. That’s why I chose an armband with the word ’Respect’," he specified.

El Yaakoubi also refused to pose in front of the OneLove banner during the match against Cambuur. "I told the manager that I found it hypocritical to pose in front of this poster when I didn’t wear the armband. That’s why I didn’t want to be in the photo. Finally, I was the victim of Excelsior’s poor communication," added the player of Moroccan origin who does not regret having "exercised his freedom of expression".

On his Instagram page, El Yaakoubi says he feels "really free", even though he is embarrassed to have to "justify himself" after each decision he makes. He received the support of several Excelsior players on the social network. Goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel, 26, has been named the new captain of the Eredivisie club.