AN MP wore a rainbow armband as he attended a World Cup match in Qatar.
Sporting minister Stuart Andrew, who represents Pudsey, was pictured inside the stadium where England beat Wales 3-0 last night wearing the One Love anti-discrimination armband.
The Conservative frontbencher, who is gay, said it was “really unfair” that football’s governing body prevented the captains of England and Wales donning the armband at the 11th hour.
Seven European countries, including the two home nations, abandoned plans to wear the anti-discrimination symbol after FIFA threatened sporting sanctions.
Sport has the power to unite & inspire so it’s vital that all sporting events, such as the #FIFAWorldCup, are open & inclusive⁰⁰I’m wearing the #OneLove armband to support the LGBT community & send a positive message that everyone should feel welcome at all sport tournaments.
— Stuart Andrew (@StuartAndrew) November 29, 2022
Mr Andrew's decision to wear the armband risks upsetting the World Cup's Qatari hosts, with homosexuality still illegal in the Gulf state.
Meanwhile, England set up a World Cup second round clash with Senegal this Sunday night following their victory over Wales.
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