Georgia captain receives UEFA #EqualGame award

Guram Kashia wore a rainbow armband while playing for Dutch side Eredivisie side Vitesse last October.

Anti-LGBT protestors in his homeland reacted to the action with riots, smoke bombs, and flares.

Protestors burned a rainbow flag outside of the Georgian Football Federation, while Kashia himself faced threats, abuse and calls for his to step down as the captain of Georgia.

Kashia, who was named as the captain of Georgia in June, has now become the inaguaral recipient of UEFA's #EqualGame award.

August 22, 2018

The award was introduced to recognise players who "act as role models" in "promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in European football."

"Guram has taken an important stand to support the LGBT community and equality overall and deserves to win this award," Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president said following the award.

"Even though his actions sparked threats and abuse from many groups, he preached tolerance and acceptance, and helped change perceptions of this minority group in his native country of Georgia."

Kashia, who plays in the MLS for the San Jose Earthquakes has said that he does not regret wearing the armband, despite the backlash.

"I believe in equality for everyone, no matter what you believe in, who you love or who you are," the Georgia captain said.

Kashia will receive his award at the UEFA Champions League group stage draw and gala in Monaco on 30 August.