LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — On Monday, a protester ran onto the field with a rainbow flag and a blue Superman…
LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) – Protesting ran out onto the field Monday, wearing a rainbow flag and a blue Superman T-shirt with “SAVE UKRAINE” on the front and “RESPECT FOR IRANIAN WOMAN” on the back during World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay.
Security officers chased the protester away and the flag was lowered onto the field before the man was led away. The referee then took the flag and left it on the touchline where it remained for a few moments before a worker came and took it away.
The demonstrator was taken through the tunnel. It is not yet known if the man has been charged or if he has been detained by police.
FIFA has not yet commented on the incident.
In the first week of the tournament in Qatar, seven European teams lost the battle to wear the colorful ‘One Love’ armbands during World Cup matches. Fans also complained that they were not allowed to take their belongings with them the colors of the rainbowa symbol of LGBTQ rights, to the stadiums of the conservative Islamic emirate.
Qatar’s laws against gay sex and the treatment of LGBTQ people have become a flashpoint ahead of the first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East. Qatar said everyone is welcome, including LGBTQ supporters, but visitors must respect the country’s culture.
The incident happened during the second half of the game at Lusail Stadium.
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