https://www.nst.com.my/sports/footb...aken-lgbt-supporter-has-harrowing-time-qatari
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian football fan was mistaken for an LGBT supporter at the Qatar World Cup, and as a result, he had a difficult time entering a stadium.
Johorean Zulfadli Ahmad Tajuddin was "detained" for nearly half an hour for investigation after his colourful chequered jersey caught the eyes of overzealous security personnel at the stadium entrance.
Any show of support for the LGBT movement is banned at the Qatar World Cup by its government.
Zulfadli, who was wearing Kedah's colourful chequered jersey, said he was held for nearly 30 minutes at the Al-Byat Stadium entrance as the security personnel "investigated" him.
The Malaysian had wanted to watch the Group E match between Germany and Costa Rica.
He said, fortunately, the higher-ranked security officers allowed him into the stadium after they were satisfied with his explanation about the colourful jersey.
"I had to google and show a picture of the jersey to prove that it's the jersey of a football team in Malaysia," he said during an interview with football commentator Datuk Jasni Shafie in his "Dari Tepi Padang" programme in Qatar.
"I was so worried at the thought of missing the World Cup match if I were not allowed to enter the stadium.
"I was told that LGBT activities are not allowed in Qatar and those involved could be jailed."
Zulfadli's "tense" experience could be watched through the "Dari Tepi Padang" programme on Facebook and Youtube at
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian football fan was mistaken for an LGBT supporter at the Qatar World Cup, and as a result, he had a difficult time entering a stadium.
Johorean Zulfadli Ahmad Tajuddin was "detained" for nearly half an hour for investigation after his colourful chequered jersey caught the eyes of overzealous security personnel at the stadium entrance.
Any show of support for the LGBT movement is banned at the Qatar World Cup by its government.
Zulfadli, who was wearing Kedah's colourful chequered jersey, said he was held for nearly 30 minutes at the Al-Byat Stadium entrance as the security personnel "investigated" him.
The Malaysian had wanted to watch the Group E match between Germany and Costa Rica.
He said, fortunately, the higher-ranked security officers allowed him into the stadium after they were satisfied with his explanation about the colourful jersey.
"I had to google and show a picture of the jersey to prove that it's the jersey of a football team in Malaysia," he said during an interview with football commentator Datuk Jasni Shafie in his "Dari Tepi Padang" programme in Qatar.
"I was so worried at the thought of missing the World Cup match if I were not allowed to enter the stadium.
"I was told that LGBT activities are not allowed in Qatar and those involved could be jailed."
Zulfadli's "tense" experience could be watched through the "Dari Tepi Padang" programme on Facebook and Youtube at