England Fan in Crusader Costume... FIFA Steps In to Intervene

Cheering in Medieval Attire with Chainmail, Helmet, and St. George's Cross
FIFA Decides Not to Comment, Citing Possible Offense to Arab Muslim Countries

SNS post capturing Qatar World Cup on-site staff restraining 'Sipjagun' fans attempting to watch the England-Iran match on the 21st (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Chainmail armor, helmet, a cloak emblazoned with the red Cross of Saint George on a white background, and a long sword... This Crusader attire, which seems like something out of a medieval-themed movie, appeared in groups at the Qatar World Cup stadium.

English football fans have long worn such outfits to support their national team at matches, but at the Qatar World Cup, they will no longer be allowed to watch games dressed like this. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has stepped in to prohibit it.

On the 25th (local time), The Times of the UK reported that FIFA decided to block fans dressed as Crusaders from entering the stadium for the Group B match between England and the United States scheduled for that day. FIFA told The Times, "Crusader attire can be offensive to Muslims in the Middle East," adding, "We aim to create a discrimination-free environment and foster diversity at all events and activities."

Earlier, on the 21st, during the first group stage match against Iran, photos circulated on social media showing some England fans attempting to enter the stadium dressed as Crusaders but being stopped by on-site staff. While such attire may be offensive to the host country Qatar or the opposing team Iran, English fans did not wear it to deliberately provoke Muslims. According to British media, England fans have worn special outfits for decades to encourage and support their national team.

In fact, at previous World Cup matches, England fans dressed as Crusaders have often been captured on camera cheering. According to the British daily The Telegraph, some fans sang the English national anthem "God Save the King" in public places and on public transportation in Doha, Qatar, while wearing plastic replica swords.

However, since this is the "first World Cup held in the Middle East" and the Qatar World Cup enforces strict regulations in many respects, caution is advised regarding such behavior. The UK-based anti-racism organization "Kick It Out" stated, "We will advise fans that attending World Cup matches dressed as knights or Crusaders is not welcomed in Qatar or other Islamic countries," adding, "The Foreign Office travel advice issued before the World Cup also instructed fans to respect local customs." The anti-Muslim hate group Telmama also pointed out, "Fans should be aware that public drinking or wearing Crusader attire can offend Qatari citizens."

The Crusades were religious wars between Christian expeditions and Islam from 1095 to 1291. For Christian forces, it was a "holy war" to reclaim the "Holy Land" Jerusalem, but for Islamic forces, it was considered an invasion by infidels. In England, Richard I, known as the "Lionheart" or "The Lion King," who laid the foundation of the British Empire, personally participated in the Third Crusade and achieved great military feats.