World Cup pitch invader to be removed from Qatar

A man who invaded the pitch during the Portugal-Urug uay match at the FIFA World Cup on Monday (28 November) is being removed from Qatar.

Mario Ferri ran onto the pitch during the game wearing a t-shirt with “Save Ukraine” on the front and “Respect for Iranian women” on the back and flying a rainbow flag in protest against Qatar’s LGBTQ rights record.

He was quickly tackled by security officials and taken away.

Posting on his Instagram stories following his release by Qatari authorities the 35-year-old says: “So many emotions right now. No legal consequence I am free,” as reported by Sky News.

In a separate post, Ferri, who calls himself Robinhood 2.0, explains his protests.

The first is “A message for Iran where I have friends who are suffering, where women are not respected.”

Ferri adds, “FIFA banned rainbow captains bands and human rights flags on the stands, they blocked everyone, BUT NOT ME.”

Finally, he writes of wanting peace in Ukraine after volunteering in the war. “WE WANT PEACE UK️ IN UKRAINE, GLORY TO UKRAINE”.

“Breaking the rules if done for a good cause is NEVER A CRIME,” Ferri closes.

As reported by Sky News, a statement from the Qatar World Cup Supreme Committee said Ferri’s Hayya Card – needed to enter Qatar – has been “cancelled and he has been banned from attending future matches at this tournament.”

FIFA has not commented on the incident.

Qatar’s criminalising of homosexuality and the safety of LGBTQ fans, as a result, has been a big issue in the run-up and during the World Cup. Despite messaging from the host nation that everyone would be welcome, reports have indicated fans being told to remove rainbow-branded gear and clothing.

FIFA also told several teams, including England and Wales, they would be booked with a yellow card if they wore the One Love armbands in solidarity with the LGBTQ community. Nevertheless, BBC presenter Alex Scott has worn one as have others in defiance.

The World Cup runs until 18 December.