A broadcaster in China has been accused on censoring footage of matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Per the Daily Mail, Chinese football fans have reportedly been streamed a censored feed via China Central Television (CCTV).BBC News are reporting the same thing. An update on their live blog related to Covid protests in China reads: “Last week we reported how scenes of maskless fans enjoying the World Cup had stirred anger among some Chinese citizens who then questioned the need for zero-Covid restrictions.“That sparked furious discussion online - and authorities have responded.“China's Central Television (CCTV) is now editing out close-ups of spectators during games so local viewers don’t see thousands of fans without masks in the stands.“It's only showing wide-angle pictures of the crowds. There's also a half a minute delay in live broadcasts of games.”

Footage accusing Chinese TV of censoring World Cup games goes viral

These reports have emerged after footage went viral on social media.

Mark Dreyer of China Sports Insider tweeted a video with the caption: “This is amazing. Due to the backlash from Chinese fans seeing unmasked crowds in Qatar, Chinese TV is now replacing live crowds shots during games and instead cutting to close-ups of players and coaches.” 

Meanwhile, Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) East Asia Correspondent Bill Birtles uploaded footage showing the live feeds from SBS & CCTV.

He tweeted: “So I thought it was BS that China’s govt broadcaster was censoring shots of fans at the World Cup due to lockdown anger back home. But it’s true.“

Watch Birtles’ footage here:

What’s happening at the 2022 World Cup?

Football’s showpiece international tournament began on November 20 and the final round of group stage matches will be played this week.

Hosts Qatar have already been eliminated after back-to-back defeats against Ecuador and Senegal.

There have already been a several shock results including Saudi Arabia beating Argentina, Japan defeating Germany and Morocco securing a 2-0 victory over Belgium.

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