By April 2022, a senior security official suggested that rainbow flags might be confiscated as a "safety measure" to protect fans from potential anti-LGBTQ+ altercations with other spectators.
FIFA explicitly prohibited team captains from seven European nations from wearing "OneLove" rainbow armbands, threatening yellow cards for any player who did so. By April 2022, a senior security official suggested
In one instance, a Brazilian journalist had his phone seized after authorities mistook the rainbow on his state flag (Pernambuco) for an LGBTQ+ symbol. Viral Misinformation Viral Misinformation There were numerous reports of security
There were numerous reports of security personnel seizing rainbow-colored bucket hats from Welsh fans and rainbow-themed clothing from journalists. During the Portugal vs
Homosexuality remains illegal in Qatar, and Qatari authorities emphasized that while visitors are welcome, they should respect the country's religious and cultural traditions. Incidents and Confiscations
Protesters and magazines created Snapchat filters like "Pride Nation" that digitally transformed any flag into a rainbow flag via AR, allowing fans to show solidarity safely.
During the Portugal vs. Uruguay match, a protester ran onto the pitch carrying a rainbow flag; he was subsequently banned from attending further matches.