England (Commonwealth Union) – Controversy at the FIFA world cup continued at the match held Monday, November 21 between Wales and USA which resulted in 1-1 draw. The former captain of the Welsh women’s team Laura McAllister was ordered to remove a rainbow hat at the match held at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, where many other Welsh fans had rainbow clothing items confiscated.
A similar incident occurred with US sports journalist Grant Wahl who was wearing a rainbow flag and was also ordered to remove it by a guard stating that it was not permitted. Grant Wahl stated that a security guard told him that his shirt was ‘political’ and not permitted,” Wahl wrote. “Another continually refused to give me back my phone. Another guard yelled at me as he stood above me – I was sitting on a chair by now – that I had to remove my shirt.”
Dr. Nayef bin Nahar, a Qatari academic, responded to the US journalist by stating that as a Qatari he was proud of the incident. “I don’t know when will the westerners realize that their values aren’t universal. There are other cultures with different values that should be equally respected. Let’s not forget that the West is not the spokesperson for humanity,” he said.
The rainbow flags are not the only controversy surrounding this year’s tournament as many fans have suggested that both FIFA and Qatari authorities had different policies at different times. Another controversy surrounding the event was the banning of beer at events, which many fans found out 2 days prior to the game and many fans who had arrived in Qatar were under the impression it was permitted.
The treatment of migrant workers in Qatar has also been key area for human rights activists. Peter Tatchell, a British human rights activist who was arrested in Qatar for protesting abuse of LGBT individuals, recently held a protest outside the Qatari embassy in London also protesting against the abuse of women and migrant workers.
