England fans have been asked not to dress in crusader outfits to avoid disturbing Muslims at the World Cup in Qatar after security apparently took a couple of supporters away this week. Fans often attend England matches dressed as Saint George, the patron saint usually depicted as a knight on horseback, although images are shared in Twitter It appeared to show two English fans in chain mail and helmets being turned around by officials ahead of Monday’s victory over Iran.
Crusader costumes risk offending locals in Qatar, and the best-known crusades took place between 1095 and 1291, when Christian armies fought to seize Jerusalem and the surrounding area from Islamic rule. A spokesman for the anti-racism group Kick It Out has warned England fans not to wear the costumes to World Cup matches and insisted that Qatari stadium officials will not take kindly to them if they choose to dress that way. .
“We advise fans attending FIFA World Cup matches that certain attire, such as costumes representing knights or crusaders, may not be welcome in Qatar and other Islamic countries,” the spokesman said. “Foreign Office travel advice issued ahead of the tournament said that fans should familiarize themselves with local customs, and we would encourage fans to take this approach.”
Several English fans have been spotted wearing men’s suits during the early stages of the World Cup in Qatar, and the country’s strict laws and customs have raised questions about whether fans should be careful to annoy the locals by dressing as crusaders on the matches of the Three Lions. Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama, a UK project that monitors Islamophobic hate, also urged those following England at the World Cup to avoid dressing insensitively even though such costumes are not intended to antagonize the Qatari locals.
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“Our fans should keep in mind that there are things that can offend Qatari citizens, such as open drinking or wearing historical Knights Templar crusader regalia that have very negative implications in the region,” Atta said. The Telegraph. “We also know that this is not being done to irritate the Qataris on purpose, but out of a desire to support England.
“However, we strongly 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 we believe in, even though In Qatar, people should just be mindful and aware of deep sensitivities.”
Meanwhile, Football Fans’ Association director Ashley Brown has insisted that fans who have been shunned for dressing as crusaders would not have intentionally tried to offend Muslims in Qatar, but should be aware of what that clothing may imply.
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“I think it’s naivety rather than intentional,” he explained. “They dress up like Saint George, the patron saint, but maybe they don’t really understand the implications of what they’re wearing.”
The UK government has warned England fans not to inadvertently offend locals in Qatar ahead of the start of the World Cup, which is being held in the Middle East for the first time. Gareth Southgate’s side will hope to continue their strong start to the tournament in their next outing against the USA, with the Group B game scheduled for Friday at Al Bayt Stadium.
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