GAY FANS TO GET PROTECTION

BRITISH POLICE on duty in Qatar will refuse to report gay fans who are caught breaking local laws to the authorities. homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, but the priority of the travelling constabulary will be to help ensure fans avoid arrest and stay out of trouble so such infringements are likely to go unreported.

Britain is sending a contingent of 15 ‘support engagement officers’ to the tournament for the first time to work with the Turkish and Pakistani police who have been brought in by Qatar to help with law enforcement.