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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Kyle Newbould

World Cup pitch invader wearing 'Save Ukraine' shirt waves rainbow flag during Portugal vs. Uruguay

Portugal's World Cup clash with Uruguay was shockingly halted when a pitch invader entered the field with a pride flag and a t-shirt with two protest slogans printed on.

The individual entered the field of play at the Lusail Stadium in the 50th-minute with the scores at 0-0, sporting a t-shirt that read 'save Ukraine' on the front and 'respect for Iranian women' on the back. He was also waving a rainbow flag, believed to be a pride flag.

The rainbow flag has been a symbol of controversy throughout the tournament, with fans and players wanting don the multi-colour armbands, hats and flags in protest of Qatar's stance LGBTQ+ people - a country where same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are criminalised.

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Harry Kane was one of seven European captains due to wear the 'OneLove' armband to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ discrimination Qatar, but backlash from the hosts and FIFA led to the nations backing down on their commitment.

There have been several reports of fans attempting to enter stadiums wearing rainbow gear, only to have them confiscated when going through security.

Iran has also come in for major criticism before and during the tournament relating to the nationwide protests in the country, following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police. Civil unrest throughout Iran has seen hundreds of people killed, including many children.

The country's mens football team remained silent during the playing of their national anthem prior to their match against England, with loud boos ringing around the Khalifa International Stadium that evening - a move thought to be in protest of the atrocities occurring in Iran.

Earlier this afternoon, a security source told CNN that the families of the Iranian soccer team 'have been threatened with imprisonment and torture if the players fail to “behave" ahead of the match against the USA on Tuesday'.

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