A knights’ fail...crusader costumes upset Qataris
Fans in chainmail are turned away from stadium by security staff
FOOTBALL 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 in an online video trying to get through stadium security wearing chainmail and helmets emblazoned with the St George Cross. They were also carrying novelty swords.
Four officers at a security gate escorted the two England fans away before their team’s opening match against Iran on Monday. Fans have supported the team while dressed as crusader knight St George – England’s patron saint – at every previous World Cup.
A spokesman for anti-racism charity Kick It Out said: ‘We would advise fans who are attending Fifa World Cup matches that certain attire, such as fancy-dress costumes representing knights or crusaders, may not be welcomed in Qatar and other Islamic countries.
‘Foreign Office travel advice issued before the tournament expressed that fans should familiarise themselves with local customs, and we would encourage fans to take this approach.’
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 pointed out that a cheering Saudi Arabia fan was apparently allowed to wave a three-foot scimitar in jubilation among crowds outside the stadium after his team’s shock win over Argentina.
The best-known Crusades took place between 1095 and 1291 when Christian armies fought to seize Jerusalem and the surrounding area from Islamic rule. Several supporters dressed as the saint have been seen in Qatar’s capital Doha during the tournament.
Bars in Doha are also demanding fans wearing traditional Arabic robes and headdress remove them, over fears it offends locals and insults Islam. The clothing is being widely sold in the team colours of the 32 nations playing at the tournament.
Meanwhile in England and Wales, fans have been throwing ‘sickies’ at record rates so they can watch matches at home during working hours, employers claim. One legal firm said it had seen a 250 per cent surge in inquiries from bosses about their legal position if they suspect staff are bunking off.
Chris Macwilliam of Clough & Willis Solicitors said the legal firm had a spike in calls after England’s 6-2 win against Iran on Monday. He added: ‘No one wants to be a killjoy but losing days to unauthorised absences can affect the bottom line.’
As many as 11million employees could pull a ‘sickie’ during the course of the World Cup, according to a YouGov Poll.