Knightmare ban for England fans
ENGLAND fans dressed as Crusaders have been turned away from World Cup matches in Qatar for being ‘offensive to Muslims’.
Two fancy-dress knights were seen on a social media video trying to get through stadium security wearing chainmail and helmets emblazoned with St George’s Cross. They were also carrying novelty swords.
Four officers at a security gate escorted the pair away before England’s opening match against Iran on Monday.
England fans have supported the team while dressed as crusader knight St George – the nation’s patron saint – at every previous World Cup. But governing body Fifa said: ‘Crusader costumes in the Arab context can be offensive against Muslims. That is why Anti-Discrimination colleagues asked fans to wear things inside out or change dress.’
Researcher Robert Carter tweeted: ‘The attire, complete with swords and crosses, is offensive due to crusader history of rape, slaughter and occupation of Arab lands.’
But some England fans in Qatar pointed out that a cheering Saudi Arabia fan was apparently allowed to wave a real three-foot long scimitar in jubilation among crowds outside the stadium after his team’s shock win over Argentina.
The best-known Crusades took place between 109 and 1291 when Christian armies fought to seize Jerusalem and the surrounding area from Islamic rule.
Meanwhile, bars in Doha are demanding fans wearing traditional Arabic robes and headdress remove them over fears it offends locals and insults Islam.
The clothing has become popular among fans and is being widely sold in the team colours of the 32 nations playing at the tournament.