Former Qatar international and now World Cup ambassador, Khalid Salman, told German broadcaster ZDF that LGBTQ+ people should just “accept our rules” if they are attending the tournament later this month.
During Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win against Werder Bremen on Tuesday night, a message amongst the Bayern ultras read: “Damaged minds! F*** you Khalid & Co.” This comes after Salman said that ‘Homosexuality in haram’ before adding: “I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind.”
When questioned about Salman’s interview, Leon Goretzka made a clear statement on Tuesday evening: “It’s very oppressive. This gives a human image from another millennium, it’s not what we stand for and not what we set an example for. It’s absolutely unacceptable to make such a statement.”
Qatar open the World Cup against Ecuador on November 20. Germany’s tournament kicks-off with a game against Japan three days later before playing Spain and Costa Rica.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder