Lucky England Fans Get a Fresh Refusal in Qatar?
England supporters, feeling a bit too nostalgic for medieval battles,’re in for a rude awakening. FIFA has issued a stern warning that fans showing up to Friday’s showdown in Qatar with crusader‑style “costumes” will be barred from the pitch— and no, they can’t roll off into the sunset for the next World Cup matches either.
The “ChainMail” Problem
- For years, fans have strutted the field in imitation chain‑mail armour on helmets that look unmistakably medieval.
- Images from Monday’s 6‑2 rout over Iran in Doha showed several crag‑hopping souls in full crusader regalia, and the posts that popped up on social media sparked out‑of‑hand criticism.
- FIFA’s spokesperson explained that in an Arab or Middle‑Eastern setting such outfits could come across as offensive— after all, the word crusade tugs at a painful chapter in history for many.
Why It’s Triggering Sensitivity
For many residents of the region, “crusades” remember the brutal Christian push‑in of the 11th‑to‑13th centuries to seize Jerusalem and its surroundings— a period that left lasting scars. For that reason, brand‑new medieval armour is anything but a harmless costume.
LGBT Flags in Football Arenas
While England’s costume drama caused the most buzz, it’s not the only cultural debacle happening at Qatar’s World Cup. Earlier this week, Welsh fans were ordered to ditch their rainbow‑coloured hats, a request that seemed to split the black‑and‑white crowd.
- Same‑sex relationships are illegal in Qatar, and that law is upsetting enough for many.
- Despite this, Welsh football officials later confirmed that FIFA eventually cleared rainbow‑hatted fans for the team’s match against Iran—a match that ended 2‑0 to the Welsh.
A Case of Silent Armbands
The calls for change didn’t end there. Across the tournament, captains from England, Wales, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark originally planned to flash armbands supporting gay rights. However, under FIFA pressure, they abandoned that plan— a move that did not sit well with many supporters who felt stuck between the World Cup’s glitter and the global governing body’s glare.
So, next time you’re thinking of turning your friend into a knight for the World Cup, keep in mind: in Qatar, the only armour allowed is the one that makes it safe to watch the game. Better to bring a scarf instead of the medieval costume.
