And it's come to this

The lads doth protest too little, methinks

The upcoming World Cup, hosted by Qatar, is mired in controversy over the treatment of migrant workers and the country's strict anti-LGBTQIABC+FLAPFLAPFLAP laws. And it's causing some consternation, not least at Danish sportswear manufacturer, Hummel International Sport & Leisure A/S.

Denmark will wear "toned down" shirts for the World Cup to protest against host Qatar's human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers. Kit provider Hummel has also designed a third, all-black kit, to represent the "colour of mourning". Hummel said it "does not wish to be visible" in a tournament it claims "has cost thousands of lives".

BBC Sport droid

It's not as if Qatar's human rights' violations have only recently come to light, though; they've been known about for years. Yet Hummel still supports the tournament by supplying the team's kit and, presumably, earning coin; money is still money, after all. But at least they're showing Qatar, and the world, their displeasure; sticking it to the man with a gesture so empty that no one would've noticed if it hadn't been pointed out to them. That's something…I guess? (shrug)

The Danish Football Association and several other national teams are also angry. Although not so much that they'll do anything meaningful, like boycotting the event. Instead, they'll wear armbands and quietly protest in solidarity.

Which, for all intents and purposes, is the same as doing fuck all really. (pipe)

And now FIFA have nixed the solidarity armband, threatening unlimited sanctions against any player posturing in support of LGBTQIABC+FLAPFLAPFLAP rights in Qatar. In doing so, they've pulled the plug on what was already a feeble enough gesture in the first place.

But it's the thought that counts. [sound of one hand clapping]