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Football

21st Nov 2022

American journalist refused entry to USA v Wales for wearing rainbow t-shirt

Callum Boyle

American journalist USA Wales

The journalist revealed that he was denied entry to the stadium.

An American journalist has been denied entry to the stadium for Wales’ game against the USA because he is wearing a rainbow t-shirt.

Grant Wahl was queuing outside the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan when he was approached by security guards.

Wahl revealed that during the interaction he was told he would not be allowed to enter the ground with the t-shirt on.

He tweeted: “Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. ‘You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.’”

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar however before the tournament the Gulf State said that fans would be allowed to bring rainbow flags into the grounds after they agreed to comply with FIFA rules.

The country’s World Cup leadership group also promised that supporters travelling to the tournament that displays promoting LGBTQ rights will not be removed.

Earlier this week all European clubs revoked their decision to wear the ‘One Love’ armband hours before their kick offs.

Countries were threatened with the risk of receiving a yellow card before the game had even kicked off as a result of breaking equipment rules under FIFA guidance, with nations instead opting to remove it rather than risking a booking.

Wales take part in their first World Cup game since 1958 and take on the US, who will be the side most likely to battle them alongside England to qualify for the knockout stages.

The other fixture in Group B saw England get off to an emphatic start with a 6-2 win against Iran, which included a brace from Bukayo Saka.

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