England fans will be banned from entering World Cup stadiums in Qatar if they are dressed up in full crusader costumes.
A video was uploaded on social media showing England fans dressed in crusader costumes being refused entry by security.
Crusader costumes are at risk of offending the local residents in Qatar due to the Crusades that took place between 1095 and 1291 when Christian armies seized Jerusalem and the nearby areas from Islamic rule.
As a result, a spokesperson from the anti-racism group Kick It Out has sent out a stern warning to all England fans regarding wearing the costumes.
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The spokesperson 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.”
A number of England fans were spotted wearing crusader costumes in the early days of the 2022 World Cup. The director of Tell Mama, a UK project monitoring Islamophobic hate, Iman Atta said to The Telegraph: “Our fans should be mindful that there are things that may cause offence to Qatari citizens, such as openly drinking or wearing historical Crusader Knights Templar outfits that have very negative implications in the region.
“We also know that this is not done to purposefully irritate Qataris but out of a desire to support England.”
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Atta added: “However, we firmly believe in the principle that any World Cup should have an environment where fans can be open, enjoy what they want to wear and feel safe and secure.
“This principle is one that we believe in, though in Qatar, people should just be mindful and aware of deep sensitivities.”
England will next face the United States on Friday in their second Group B fixture and will be looking to build on Monday's 6-2 win over Iran.
Topics: Football World Cup, England, Qatar
Marcus Chan