Proud Hornets speak out ahead of World Cup
The 2022 World Cup is being held in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal
With the Qatar World Cup less than a week away, an LGBT football supporters group in Hertfordshire has been sharing their feelings ahead of the tournament.
The Proud Hornets are a group of Watford fans from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and QI community, as well as their family, friends, and any other allies.
Co-Founder of the Proud Hornets, Callum Jewell, has revealed that no members of the supporters group will be attending the competition due to the country's attitude towards the community, among other things.
What is Qatar's stance on LGBT rights?
Like 68 other countries across the world, homosexually is illegal in Qatar.
And while the head of the 2022 World Cup bid, Hassan al-Thawadi, has said that everybody is welcome at the tournament, he also warned against public displays of affection that went against Qatari cultures and traditions.
This comment came after then-Fifa president Sepp Blatter joked that gay fans should "refrain from any sexual activity", before issuing an apology statement.
As well as reports that some hotels would refuse to host members of the LGBT community and threats that rainbow flags would be removed from fans, leaving many people feeling it's too unsafe to attend.
Lack of excitement ahead of Sunday
Discussing his feelings ahead of the tournament starting later this week, Callum said: "Normally in the lead up to a World Cup you'd feel excited, nervous, a bit of anticipation...But I don't feel that at all.
"Not within myself, my community, ... and I do think, to an extent, that extends to the wider population, I've not seen as much buzz around it."
"Asking people to jump back in the closet"
Callum also revealed that he would feel uneasy attending any of the matches because of: "Some of the stuff that's been said by our government and people from their organisations. It's made me think it's not a safe place to go for members of the LGBT community.
"You've got James Cleverly saying if you go out there, tone it down a little bit, just don't be your authentic self, hide it. Essentially asking people to jump back in the closet.
"They opened themselves up to a global event"
"And then ... part of the organising committee said LGBT people are damaged in the head, which shows they have no respect for us.
"They opened themselves up to hosting a global event. Not the whole world treats certain members of society like they do. So by putting themselves forward for that, they should put themselves forward to a standard which is above what they currently have, that's my belief.
"That's the same for any state that opens themselves up to a global event, whether it be the Olympics or the World Cup, etc."
But Callum has revealed there will be viewing parties for members of the community and allies to watch the world cup in a safe and welcoming environment.