It’s not unusual for English followers to go to soccer stadiums dressed as St George the ‘navy saint” depicted as a soldier sporting chains, a helmet and armour.
Some felt their opening recreation in opposition to Iran can be the right event to achieve the stadium of their full crusader gear. However a video posted by London-based journalist Bob Carter reveals safety officers denying entry to armour-clad English followers because it might harm the sentiment of locals.
The Arabs have despatched the ✝️ crusaders packing as soon as once more. ☪️
How historical past likes to repeat itself 😉#Qatar #Eng #FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/M47Nu0BSOs
— Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) November 24, 2022
The historic context is the blood-soaked Crusades recorded between 1095 and 1291 the place Christian armies fought in opposition to Islamic rulers to take management of Jerusalem and the area round it.
It’s believed that 1000’s of harmless folks have been slaughtered and looted. The Qatari authorities couldn’t afford to enrage the locals by permitting English followers dressed as crusaders within the stadium.
A soccer anti-racism group referred to as Kick It Out has requested English followers from refraining to decorate up as crusaders for the remaining matches.
“We might advise followers who’re attending FIFA World Cup matches that sure apparel, equivalent to fancy-dress costumes representing knights or crusaders, is probably not welcomed in Qatar and different Islamic nations,” it stated.