Photos show USA fan seized by Qatar police for wearing rainbow armband to World Cup game

An American fan was seized by Qatar police and removed from the crunch World Cup game against Iran at the Al Thumama Stadium for wearing a rainbow armband.

The supporter, who has not been identified, was photographed wearing the LGBTQ+ armband as he was manhandled by security officers at the game on Tuesday.

It is the latest scandal for the FIFA tournament in Qatar, a country where gay men can be imprisoned and same-sex marriages are not recognised by the government.

The fan was wearing a blue and white-striped “99 Problems” shirt, which had “Unite + Strengthen” written on the arm.

Qatar’s attitude to LGBTQ+ issues has been a main issue since it was awarded the World Cup, as well as its treatment of foreign workers who built the stadiums.

England and six European nations backed down from wearing OneLove armbands in Qatar after FIFA threatened sporting sanctions for anyone wearing it.

The country also imposed a strict alcohol ban in stadiums just days before the first game kicked off.