News
Protester invades the pitch at the 2022 World Cup
This is not the first time the Italian man uses football matches to display his protests against different causes around the globe. Read below to learn more on the matter.
Advertisement
The rainbow-waving man disrupted the Portugal vs. Uruguay match on Monday.
Last Monday night, a protester disrupted the match between Portugal and Uruguay by running into the field carrying a rainbow flag. That marked what appeared to be the first in-game support for LGBTQIAP+ rights during FIFA’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The protester was also wearing a shirt that said “respect for Iranian women” in the back, and “save Ukraine” in the front. He managed to run from the sidelines across most of the field, but was tackled by security before making it to the other side of the pitch.
The rainbow flag had the world “peace” in Italian printed in white. While many say the protester didn’t explicitly invade the field in support of LGBTQIAP+ rights, most believe it’s impossible not to see it as a sign of defiance to the Qatari government.
In Qatar, homosexuality is considered a crime, and LGBTQIAP+ rights are inexistent. During the first week of this year’s World Cup, hundreds of fans and journalists were unable to have access to venues for wearing clothing and accessories that were rainbow-colored.
FIFA has continually apologized for these incidents and said that pride flags and apparel are allowed at venues. However, none of it has been visible in broadcasts.
Before the kickoff last week, FIFA also threatened sporting sanctions amongst European teams if their captains were to go through with their initial plans to wear armbands featuring rainbow colors for anti-discrimination purposes.
This is not the first time the same protester invaded a World Cup match
This is hardly the first time the same protester took his notable causes to the World Cup. The Italian man did the same in 2010 and 2014 in South Africa and Brazil, respectively.
However, Monday’s stunt was the first time during this year’s tournament that the rainbow flag made it to the TV screen. Most broadcasts briefly showed the protester, who then dropped the flag on the pitch before being caught by security.
The referee picked up the flag and dropped it over the sidelines, on top of an advertising board. Then, a Qatari staffer quickly removed it from the field before the game continued.
Most international broadcasts cut away from the protester – as it happens whenever there’s an invasion. Nevertheless, photographers were able to capture the full length of the protest and release it for the world to see.
The Qatari government said on Tuesday that the protester had been released. The country’s Supreme Committee stated that he’s banned from the games, but would not face any other meaningful consequences.
The statement said that the protester was shortly released after being captured by security during the match. Since then, his embassy has been informed of the situation. As a consequence for his actions, his Hayya Card was canceled.
This was just one of the many protests that have been going on since this year’s World Cup started. And most likely won’t be the last one before it ends on December 18.
You will be redirected to another website
By submitting this form, I agree that I am 18+ years old and I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. I also provide my signature giving express consent to receive marketing communications via automated emails, SMS or MMS text messages and other forms of communication regarding financial products such as credit card and loans. Message frequency varies and represents our good faith effort to reach you regarding your inquiry. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help or text STOP to cancel. I understand that my consent to receive communications is not a condition of purchase and I may revoke my consent at any time.
USMNT advances to the next stage in the World Cup
The USMNT won 1-0 against Iran on Tuesday and qualified to the knockout stages in an exciting match. Read below to learn more!
The USMNT advances in the World Cup
The American team won 1-0 against Iran and is now out of the group stage and into the knockout round.
Trending Topics
Check Your Credit Score with These Top Credit Report Apps
Looking to boost your credit score? Check our list of top credit apps that can help you monitor changes in your report.
Keep ReadingFoods that will help your kidneys to stay healthy
If you want to enjoy a healthier life, check out this post and find out what are the best types of foods to keep your kidneys healthy.
Keep ReadingWhich delivery app has the lowest fees? Let’s do the math to find out
Don't waste time figuring out which delivery app offers the lowest fees. We did the math for you to find out easily! Read on to find out more!
Keep ReadingYou may also like
You Won’t Believe How Much Credit Card Debt Makes You Undateable
Discover the reasons why credit card debt can make you undateable and how you can reduce or eliminate such borrowings.
Keep ReadingThe great debate: who is the most famous person?
This post looks at some of history's most famous people and attempts to answer the question - who is the most famous person in the world?
Keep ReadingWhat is a Cash Management Account: should you get one?
A cash management account can help you streamline your finances. Here's what you need to know about this type of bank account.
Keep Reading