Beer ban own goal

THE World Cup is just hours away from starting.

Football fans around the globe are getting ready to cheer on their teams as the excitement builds.

But questions still remain over the controversial decision to award it to Qatar.

And it came back under the spotlight yesterday with the last-minute ban on beer in the tournament’s stadiums.

The U-turn came at the behest of the Qatari royal family.

FIFA has repeatedly sought to justify handing the small Gulf state the tournament.

But critics fear the about-turn on booze might not be the only one.

Supporters will be left disappointed by the move, which means they can only drink lager at designated fan zones and hotels.

England and Wales fans have spent a lot of money and travelled far to support the sides.

Taking away basic pleasures such as enjoying a drink seems deeply unfair.