“Qatar Traditional Costume Is a Bathrobe” German Commentator Criticized Harshly

Jandro Wagner's Derogatory Remarks on 'Ssawup' Worn by Middle Eastern and North African Men
German ZDF States "Inappropriate Remarks, Internal Discussions to Begin"

German football commentator Sandro Wagner sparked controversy by referring to Qatar's traditional attire as a "bathrobe." Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] A German football commentator is facing backlash for describing Qatar's traditional attire as a 'bathrobe.'

On the 27th (local time), according to the AP News Agency, commentator Sandro Wagner referred to Qatar's traditional clothing as a bathrobe while broadcasting the Group E match between Germany and Spain in the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage.

Wagner, who played for Bayern Munich and SV Darmstadt during his active career, appeared in 8 matches for the German national team and scored 5 goals.

During the second Group E match between Germany and Spain, Wagner made this comment about the spectators dressed in white filling the Al Bayt Stadium. The attire is called a Thaub, worn not only by Qataris but also by men in the Middle East and North Africa. AP reported, "Wagner realized belatedly that the spectators in white were not German fans and made an inappropriate remark." Because white is a symbolic color of Germany, he mistakenly thought the white-clad spectators were German fans, leading to the gaffe.

Following this, controversy over Wagner's remarks has continued on social media. In response, German public broadcaster ZDF stated, "The comment was made during a passionate moment in the match. It was an inappropriate remark. We will begin internal discussions."

In response, Qatar fans at the stadium showed a photo of German midfielder Mesut ?zil, who is of Turkish descent, to protest against Germany. ?zil left the German national team right after the 2018 Russia World Cup, expressing, "When we win, I am German, but when we lose, I am treated as an immigrant."

Meanwhile, before the German national team's first group stage match against Japan, FIFA banned the wearing of the 'rainbow armband,' which symbolizes opposition to all discrimination. In protest, the team took a group photo covering their mouths with their right hands.