A man waving a rainbow flag ran onto the pitch during Portugal’s recent win over Uruguay at the World Cup, staging a public protest against Qatar.
The man interrupted the game at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, wearing a shirt with a superman logo and a message that read “SAVE UKRAINE” on the front and “RESPECT FOR IRANIAN WOMAN” on the back.
He waved the rainbow pride flag as he ran on the pitch in support of the LGBTQI+ community. The man entered the pitch during the second half and was chased by security. He dropped the flag before being escorted off the pitch.
The pride flag has been a point of contention during the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable with prison. Captains of several European teams were forced to back down on a decision to wear “OneLove” armbands after being they were threatened with yellow cards by FIFA.
The captains had wanted to wear the armbands in a show of inclusion for LGBTQI+ people.
Speaking about the pitch invader on SBS’ coverage of the World Cup, former Socceroos player Craig Foster said, “He didn’t miss the opportunity”.
“Well done to him, you’re always welcome in Australia,” Foster said.
It comes as fans have also complained they are not able to wear rainbow colours during the World Cup.
It hasn’t been made clear if the man faces any charges or had been detained by police. FIFA is yet to comment on the event.