British foreign minister James Cleverly on Tuesday said he raised the issues about being a welcoming World Cup host with Qatar during a visit for the start of the tournament, amid reports that fans wearing rainbow clothing had faced problems.
Supporters and journalists have reported being asked by stadium security staff to remove rainbow hats and shirts, a show of support for the LGBTQ community, fuelling concerns about the decision to host the World Cup in a country where homosexuality remains illegal.
