Soccer

Virgil van Dijk refuses to wear One Love armband for game against France

The Netherlands captain was clear about not wearing the One Love armband as well as complaining about the number of games players are playing now.

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Updated on
October 13, 2023 10:36PM EDT

**© Getty Images**Virgil van Dijk could join Al Nassr this summer

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk was clear in a press conference before the Netherlands match against France in Euro 2024 qualification that the Dutch team captain will not wear the One Love armband but instead he has chosen to wear the UEFA Respect armband.

“I will not wear the One Love armband tomorrow. We have chosen to wear the ‘UEFA Respect’ armband” were van Dijk’s comments on the matter. Van Dijk took the same stance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after FIFA stated it would yellow card any captain that would do so during the tournament.

The Netherlands are assured at least a playoff spot as it looks like they will not finish in first place, but they need a big win against France to try and catch up. The Euro 2024 championship will be held in Germany from June 14- July 14, 2024.

Virgil van Dijk on player schedules

The Dutch captain also commented about the large playing schedule of players, “In England we believe the schedules are too busy. The players are getting paid well but it should never come at the cost of our health”.

“We keep having to play more and more games. We as players should start saying something about it, contribute to a solution”.

The Netherlands in 2023

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It has been an up and down year for Ronald Koeman’s side in 2023, the Orange lost three major games against France, Croatia, and Italy. Their most notable victory of the year was against Ireland.

The Dutch will try to bounce back from a 4-0 loss to France earlier in the year for Euro 2024 qualifying where Kylian Mbappé scored two goals on the day.

Kelvin Loyola

Kelvin Loyola is a seasoned content writer and journalist at Bolavip, boasting over 15 years of experience in sports journalism and marketing. He has covered a wide array of sports including the USMNT, MLS, Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Liga MX, as well as the NBA, MLB, NHL, and various entertainment topics. Prior to his journalism and marketing career, Kelvin worked in post-production, contributing to numerous movie, television, and digital projects. He also brings expertise in project management, social media, and web development. A graduate of Queens College with a degree in Media Studies, Kelvin is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. His passions extend beyond his career to include soccer, marketing, photography, surfing, and pop culture, particularly comics.