American sports journalist Grant Wahl has revealed that he was initially denied entry to the United States of America's World Cup clash with Wales on Monday evening.
With Group B having gotten underway in spectacular fashion earlier in the day courtesy of England's ruthless 6-2 win over Iran, attention soon turned to the crucial clash at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
With many supporters having predicted England to win the group and Iran to finish rock bottom, there had long been a quiet feeling that USA vs Wales could be the game that settles who qualifies in second place.
What happened to US reporter before Wales game?
However, before a ball was even kicked in the crucial match-up, there was controversy to be found as Wahl informed his 837,000 Twitter followers what had happened as he tried to access the stadium.
Wahl, who has worked for the likes of CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated and Fox Sports, explained that his attempts to enter the stadium had been rebuffed in light of the t-shirt that he was wearing.
The revered reporter and author was sporting a black top which featured a design on the front showing a football surrounded by a rainbow, which is the widely known symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.
However, it was because of this item of clothing that Wahl was initially turned away, prompting him to explain the situation on Twitter with hundreds and thousands of football fans swiftly expressing their outrage.
Around 16:00 (GMT), Wahl explained on Twitter: "Just now: Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. “You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.”"
He then provided the following update on social media approximately 45 minutes later: "I’m OK, but that was an unnecessary ordeal. Am in the media center, still wearing my shirt. Was detained for nearly half an hour. Go gays."
Are rainbow flags allowed at Qatar 2022?
The Head of Qatar's World Cup had explained to Sky News earlier in the year that rainbow flags would be allowed at the tournament.
It is unclear, therefore, why Wahl's t-shirt proved to be so problematic before USA vs Wales once the tournament is already underway, but it is at least promising to hear that the situation was eventually resolved with the reporter able to continue wearing his shirt.
Qatar 2022: Ultimate World Cup quiz
However, the fact that the episode occurred in the first place will hardly reassure LGBTQ+ individuals who have felt understandably anxious about making the trip to Qatar this winter.
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