England fans in crusader costumes banned from entering Qatar stadiums
What did they expect to happen?
England fans wearing full crusader costumes will not be allowed to enter stadiums in Qatar during the World Cup.
Footage which has been widely shared on social media has shown England fans wearing the outfits being led away by security personnel before Gareth Southgate's side played Iran on Monday.
This is expected to be the case throughout the tournament, with a spokesperson for Kick It Out warning England supporters against wearing the costumes given the historical context.
The Crusades were a series of military expeditions beginning in the 11th century. Organised by Christians predominantly from western Europe, their purpose was to halt the spread of Islam and recapture formerly Christian territories in the Holy Land and the eastern Mediterranean.
Qatari authorities have started banning England fans from wearing crusader costumes in stadiums.
The attire, complete with swords and crosses, are offensive due to crusader history of rape, slaughter and occupation of Arab lands.#Qatar #Eng #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/BoL6dnZEjz— Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) November 23, 2022
Given that Qatar is an Islamic state, wearing the costumes runs the risk of offending locals.
"We would advise fans who are attending FIFA World Cup matches that certain attire, such as fancy-dress costumes representing knights or crusaders, may not be welcomed in Qatar and other Islamic countries," the Kick It Out spokesperson is quoted as saying in The Telegraph.
"Foreign Office travel advice issued before the tournament expressed that fans should familiarise themselves with local customs, and we would encourage fans to take this approach."
More World Cup news:
- World Cup 2022: Day Five – the latest from Qatar
- Denmark consider leaving FIFA with other UEFA nations
- Germany players cover their mouths during team photo in FIFA protest
