Many World Cup fans are disappointed with the reality on the ground
among much of the Arab world. Even Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whose country had been the target of a four-year Saudi-led blockade—which ended in 2021—over its alleged support of Islamist groups around the region could be seen heartily waving a Saudi flag during the game.
Meanwhile, security arrangements have lurched between overbearing and outright dangerous. Fans arriving at 9:30 p.m. for Saturday’s opening of the Fan Festival—a bleak expanse of concrete sandwiched between Doha’s imposing Interior Ministry Building and the sea—were confronted by a huge crowd that swelled outside a locked main gate, as predominantly Pakistani security guards wagged fingers at each other.
But far from teething problems, the situation at the Fan Festival has only deteriorated since. On Sunday, tens of thousands of fans pushed and shoved against police armed with batons and shields. “It’s very risky. People, they could die,” Hatem El-Berarri, an Iraqi who said he was working in neighboring Dubai,The dicey security situation is particularly concerning considering Qatar has sidestepped many traditional problems.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tunisia's fans prove the World Cup needs to embrace the Arab world, not shun itDoha is home to more than 25,000 Tunisians who made themselves heard in their Group D 0-0 draw with Denmark, proof that this tournament should always strive to be a truly global one
Read more »
Treatment of World Cup fans in Qatar monitored after rainbow hat banEx-Wales captain Laura McAllister was among a number of supporters told to remove the hats.
Read more »
Hundreds of Fans Report World Cup Ticket Woes for 2nd DayFor the second-straight day, fans reported frustrations trying to gain admission into the World Cup matches.
Read more »
World Cup: Why do Wales football fans wear bucket hats?Several Cardiff gift shops have seen an increase in sales since Wales qualified for the World Cup.
Read more »
Footy fans flock to Christmassy pub wrongly thinking it shows World Cup gamesThe Greyhound Inn in Wiltshire was wrapped in a giant red ribbon to celebrate Christmas 🎀 But football fans think it’s a patriotic display for England’s World Cup team and are flocking to the pub to watch the games – which they don’t show 🤦♀️
Read more »