Treatment of fans in Qatar 'closely monitored' after rainbow bucket hat row

Security staff at the stadium where Wales played on Monday asked female fans to remove them

It happened as Wales played their first Group B game against USA on Monday night
Author: Lauren JonesPublished 23rd Nov 2022

The Welsh Government is in talks with the embassy in Doha after female Cymru fans had rainbow bucket hats confiscated before the Wales v USA game on Monday.

Lesley Griffiths says it was 'completely and utterly unacceptable' that fans had been treated in this way.

Former Wales team captain Laura McAllister, who is an ambassador for Cymru at the tournament, was among a number of supporters told to remove the hats.

Some have claimed they were told it was a "banned symbol" despite Fifa previously saying rainbow coloured flags and clothing were not prohibited in the stadiums.

Downing Street has also said the treatment of UK fans at the World Cup in Qatar is being closely monitored.

Same-sex relationships are outlawed in the Gulf state but the host nation's organisers had repeatedly said "all are welcome" in the run-up to the competition.

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