World Cup 2022

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      Gary Lineker forced to apologise to fans live on air after technical issue on BBC during England vs Iran World Cup clash

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      GARY Lineker has apologised on-air to fans watching the England World Cup match on BBC iPlayer following a technical issue.The BBC Match Of The Day host and former England footballer, 61, made the comments during half-time of England’s World Cup opener against Iran, adding that the broadcaster was working on fixing it.
      The pundit made the apology at half-time of England’s opening match against IranCredit: BBC
      Viewers had reported problems with the iPlayer feed, meaning they were unable to watch part of England’s opening match.
      On Twitter, BBC Sport said: “We’re aware of an issue affecting some users on BBC iPlayer.
      The pundit said: “Just a quick pointer, apologies if you have had any BBC iPlayer issues during that first half.
      “We are working to fix them.”
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      “We’re trying to fix this ASAP.
      “Coverage is also available on BBC One and the BBC Sport website and app.”
      It comes as supporters faced ticket problems as they attempted to enter the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar to watch the much-anticipated match.
      Free Lions, the Football Supporters’ Association team that provides travel and logistical advice to fans, said on Twitter: “We’re aware of issues with some e-tickets at the stadium with FIFA’s ticketing app.
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      “The FA is working hard to find a resolution for England fans.
      “If you have issues seeing your ticket on the app, join the ticketing resolution queue at the stadium, but keep checking the app.”
      England went on to win the match 6-2, with a late Iranian penalty providing a face-saving goal for the beaten side.
      Bukayo Saka starred for the Three Lions with two goals in the match, with Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford bagging one each. More

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      Fans spot bizarre detail on referee’s shirt during England’s World Cup opener – did you?

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      WORLD CUP fans spotted a bizarre detail on the referee’s shirt during England’s clash with Iran. Brazilian Raphael Claus was the man in the middle as the Three Lions opened their Qatar 2022 campaign.
      Raphael Claus was the referee in charge of England’s thrashing of IranCredit: Getty
      The officials have their names at the top on the back of their shirtsCredit: Getty
      And Fifa have made sure their officials – including three female refs – get a bit of extra exposure.
      The referee’s kits for the World Cup feature their surnames on the back of the shirt – just like the other 22 stars on the pitch.
      Unlike the players, though, the letters are much smaller and could easily be missed.
      But some eagle-eyed viewers – who may have overcome the BBC iPlayer issues – spotted ‘Claus’ at the back of the neck on the ref’s jersey.
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      One said: “One for the Adjudication Panel: is there any precedent for referees donning their names on the back of their shirts and, regardless, how high on the #gamesgone scale does this rank?”
      Another wrote: “The last thing football needs is referees with their names on the back if shirts.
      “Whatever happened to a good ref being one you don’t notice? Nobody watches football to see the officials have a good game.”
      Talk about not wanting to make a name for yourself…
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      Claus was immediately at the centre of attention at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
      He failed to award a “stonewall” penalty when England defender Harry Maguire was wrestled to the ground from a corner.
      But there was nothing Claus or the Iran defence could do to stop England’s potent attack as they swept their Group B opponents away to win 6-2.
      Jude Bellingham grabbed his first Three Lions goal before Bukayo Saka’s double with Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also getting on the scoresheet.
      But just as it looked as though England would match their record 6-1 win from the last World Cup, Claus and his VAR colleagues ensured he was the centre of attention in the 102nd minute when he awarded Iran a penalty for a slight tug by John Stones.
      Claus ignored the Three Lions’ protests for a penaltyCredit: Getty More

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      Iran players REFUSE to sing national anthem before facing England at Qatar World cup

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      IRAN refused to sing their national anthem in a brazen snub to the country’s brutal regime. The Iranian XI stood tall but silent as the anthem played ahead of their clash with England at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
      Iranian players refused to sing the national anthemCredit: Reuters
      Some players bowed their heads during the anthemCredit: Reuters
      Iran’s team made their first gesture in apparent support of the protestsCredit: Getty
      Iranian fans in the Qatari stadium were moved to tears by the incredible gesture as protests continue to sweep the Islamic Republic.
      It came after many fans back home accused the squad of siding with a violent state crackdown ahead of the World Cup.
      Protests demanding the fall of the ruling regime have gripped Iran since the death two months ago of young woman Mahsa Amini.
      She was arrested and allegedly beaten to death for flouting the strict Islamic dress code.
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      Dozens of Iranian public figures, athletes and artists have displayed solidarity with the protesters.
      But there was anger as the national team remained in a state of silence.
      The players however turned this silence into a gesture ahead of their game with England as they refused to sing the national anthem.
      Iranian state television did not show the players lined up for the anthem before the match got underway just across the Gulf.
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      The Iranian squad could not avoid being overshadowed by the anti-government unrest that has rattled the regime.
      Ahead of the match, no Iranian player had voiced support for the demonstrations by compatriots from all walks of life.
      It is one of the most sustained challenges to the cleric elite since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
      “All of us are sad because our people are being killed in Iran but all of us are proud of our team because they did not sing the national anthem – because it’s not our national (anthem), it’s only for the regime,” said one Iranian fan.
      In the past, the Iranian team was a source of fired up national pride.
      Now, with mass protests, many would prefer it withdrew from the World Cup.
      Before travelling to Doha the team met with hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
      I know it is their job to play football but with all those children killed in Iran, they should have stood in solidarity with the peopleSetareh
      Photos of the players with Raisi, one of them bowing in front of him, went viral while the street unrest raged on, drawing an outcry on social media.
      “I have mixed feelings. I love football but with all these children, women and men killed in Iran, I think the national team should not play,” said Iran fan Elmira, 24.
      “It is not Iran’s team, it is the Islamic Republic’s team.”
      “They could refuse to take part in the World Cup or even refuse to play if they were forced to go, to show that they are part of the nation, to show solidarity with mothers in Iran whose children were killed by the regime (during protests).”
      The activist HRANA news agency said 410 protesters had been killed in the unrest as of Saturday, including 58 minors.
      Some 54 members of the security forces had also been killed, HRANA said, with at least 17,251 people arrested. Authorities have not provided an estimate of any wider death count.
      “I know it is their job to play football but with all those children killed in Iran, they should have stood in solidarity with the people,” said Iran fan Setareh, 17.
      Iranian fans could be seen crying in the stands
      “Especially when the England team is going to kneel (in solidarity), how can the national team show no solidarity?”
      Some Iranian fans who went to Qatar for the World Cup made no secret of their solidarity with the unrest.
      They carried banners that read “Women, Life, Freedom” in support of the protests.
      “Freedom for Iran. Stop killing children in the streets!” shouted one Iranian woman.
      Another Iranian woman with the colours of an Iranian flag painted on her face said Iran is a football-crazed nation.
      “But this year,” she said, “everything is different, all we care about is this revolution and for people to get their freedom back, and not be scared to just walk on the street, do and dress as they want, and say what they want.”
      In the capital Tehran, some banners of the national team have been burned by angry protesters.
      Pictures of children killed in the protests were widely shared by Iranians on Twitter, with messages such as: “They loved football too, but they were killed by the Islamic Republic.”
      “Those children took risks for their country and were killed by the regime. The national team should take risks and show solidarity with the nation,” said Iran fan Hamidreza, 19.
      Pejman Zarji, a 38-year-old sports coach who was in Qatar for the World Cup, said the Iranian team belonged to the people not the government.
      He said: “There is always – no matter what – a part that’s about politics.
      “There’s something really important to understand (now) – ‘Team Melli’ is what we call the Iran team, it’s the team of the people before being the team of the government.
      Sara Masoudi, 32, another Iranian fan in Qatar who works for a media management company, played down the protests at home.
      They were “very small” but the media made them out to be large, she told Reuters.
      “I don’t see a lot of fans here who are supporters of the protests. Social media is giving a wrong picture of reality.”
      The Sun Online also spoke to an Iranian football legend who vowed he would be supporting England against Iran. More

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      I’m a sexpert – my bedroom tips for England heroes and their WAGs will help us win the World Cup

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      THE pressure of representing their country at the World Cup can take a huge toll on players. But a sex and relationship expert reckons she knows exactly how Gareth Southgate can revitalise his team after matches.
      Natalia believes players like Eric Dier should be able to let off some steam with fiancee Anna Modler after matches
      Natalia Kobylkina believes the England squad should be able to have sex after matches – but not the day beforeCredit: Supplied
      Sexologist Natalia Kobylkina is urging the England manager to let his players go into sex-tra time with their wives and girlfriends – but ban romps the day before a game.
      She tells The Sun: “If they win and perform well they should be rewarded by being able to perform equally well when they see their loved ones after the game.
      “That will also, hopefully, get them in the right frame of mind for the next fixture.”
      But while she firmly believes sex games are good for the squad, too much nookie could hamper their chances of bringing home the World Cup.
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      She explains: “It is very important for the guys to be ready for action when they get out onto the field.
      “You can’t expect that to happen if they have been putting all their energies into making love with their partner in the run-up to matches.”
      Natalia, 38, believes to get the best out of his team, Southgate must ban any performances in the bedroom 72 hours before each game and save the reward for when the game is over.
      She argues the players need to have heightened levels of testosterone and cortisone in their bodies to maximise their prowess on the pitch.
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      Annie Kilner will be cheering on her man Kyle WalkerCredit: Instagram
      Sasha Atwood, who has been in an on-off relationship with Jack Grealish for years, will be supporting himCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Natalia adds: “If Gareth Southgate follows my advice, England can go all the way to lift the trophy – and the wives and girlfriends will have fulfilled an important role in winning the World Cup.”
      No to ‘sex ban’
      Natalia, 38, says it’s not feasible to ask players not to have sex for more than a month throughout the tournament.
      She says: “They will start to get depressed and frustrated. Their heads will drop and they won’t be at their best. 
      “You wouldn’t impose a month-long sex ban for players during a normal season. It just wouldn’t work.
      “So it’s not going to work in Qatar either. It’s not as if the WAGS aren’t there!”
      Romp o’clock
      Natalia believes a month-long sex ban is impossible for the likes of Raheem Sterling and fiancée Paige Milian
      Harry Maguire and wife Fern will have to say no to sex too close to matches, says NataliaCredit: Instagram
      Natalia, who is based in London and boasts an international client list of athletes, entrepreneurs and politicians, reckons she knows the best time a player should have sex in order to give their best performance – on the pitch, that is.
      “The optimum time for a male footballer, like any elite male athlete, to have sex before a major sporting event is 72 hours,” she says.
      “That way the players can be at their peak mentally and physically for the challenge ahead.
      “Sex can be a reward for winning or a consolation for losing. So a win-win scenario for the players and, of course, their wives and girlfriends!
      ‘Stay strong for England’
      Natalia says WAGS like Anouska Santos, Luke Shaw’s partner must “stay strong” for EnglandCredit: Instagram @anouskasantos
      In order for the Squad to bring the World Cup home, WAGS must only have sex with their men after matches, says NataliaCredit: Instagram
      For the WAGS who have made it to Qatar to cheer on their men, Natalia says: “If you want your man to do well on the pitch you have to say ‘no’ to sex for 72 hours before each game.
      “You need to stay strong for England. Once the games are over, that’s when you can let your defences down – and hopefully the boys can rise to the occasion!
      “The lads need to reach the maximum levels of their animal potential. They need to be hungry for sex and hungry for the ball – obviously not at the same time!
      Read More on The Sun
      “That way their all-round game will be so much better.
      “If they have sex too close to kick-off they won’t have either the energy or the motivation to do their best.”
      Natalia has worked with high profile athletes, entrepreneurs, and politiciansCredit: Supplied More

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      England fans allowed in to Iran clash for FREE at World Cup after Fifa ticket app goes down moments before kick-off

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      ENGLAND fans were reportedly allowed in for FREE to watch the 6-1 thrashing of Iran after a Fifa ticketing app error. Supporters faced a nightmare getting in after the app CRASHED this morning, which left rows of seats empty at the start of the match.
      There were plenty of empty seats at the start at the Khalifa International StadiumCredit: AFP
      England fans celebrate in the Khalifa International StadiumCredit: PA
      Many supporters were seeing this message

      Many fans claim that their e-tickets DISAPPEARED from their phones.
      It caused several to miss the kick-off but eventually they filtered through and filled up the Khalifa International Stadium.
      Amid the chaos, fans were allowed in without even having a ticket, with no checks taking place.
      One supporter told The Mirror: “They have just let everyone through.
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      “There was a f*** up with the app and many people were stopped but they have now just opened the gates.”
      Fans who were delayed getting into the stadium were helped by the fact there was a massive delay in the play.
      Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand had a horror clash with defender Majid Hosseini, leaving him with a brutal nose bleed.
      It took around ten minutes before Beiranvand eventually got back to his feet and was able to restart play with a goal kick.
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      But he was clearly dazed after possibly suffering a concussion and signalled to come off before laying on the pitch.
      No2 Hossein Hosseini had been warming up and replaced Beiranvand after a lengthy amount of stoppage time that saw 14 MINUTES added on to the end of the first half.
      By then, England were already in cruise control after going 3-0 up, with teenage sensation Jude Bellingham opening the scoring.
      Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling then added to the scoring leaving Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions home and hosed by the break.
      And Saka, on a revenge mission after missing a penalty in last year’s Euros final, doubled his lead just after the hour mark.
      Read More on The Sun
      Striker Mehdi Taremi did pull one back for Iran on 65 minutes, proving nothing more than a consolation, as Marcus Rashford soon made it 5-1.
      Jack Grealish then capped things off after converting from an unselfish pass from Callum Wilson as Taremi’s penalty ended the game 6-2.
      Bukayo Saka celebrates with England captain Harry KaneCredit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham hinted he’d score first England goal in World Cup opener vs Iran – but did you notice it?

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM cheekily claimed that he had been “saving” his first goal for England for the World Cup.The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was named in the starting XI as the Three Lions kicked-off Group B against Iran.
      Jude Bellingham headed England into the lead against IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      It was the teenager’s first goal on the international stageCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And the 19-year-old star was celebrating after just 35 minutes when he broke the deadlock with his maiden strike for his country in the 6-2 victory.
      England had started brightly after a long delay following a brutal head injury to Iran’s goalie.
      They were raging early doors when Harry Maguire was denied a stonewall penalty after being pulled down in the box.
      But it was Bellingham who finally got the ball in the net as he superbly headed home Luke Shaw’s cross.
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      Before the game he had sat down with BBC, and during the interview he was asked about his lack of goals for England.
      And he confidently replied: “Maybe I’m saving it?
      “I’m only joking, I’ve been trying I promise.
      “I’ve got into some good positions in the last few games.
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      “I think it’s about making the box, getting in the right positions and staying calm in the right positions.” 
      And after the game Bellingham told BBC: “I told you I was saving it! It was a really good day for us, six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive regardless of who you play against.
      “I thought it had missed to be honest! It took ages to loop into the goal.
      “I told you last year I wanted to score more goals for Dortmund and England. It’s a brilliant ball from Shawy and I get into the position and flick it away – a really proud moment for me.
      “I think they came out really well, really strong, hard to break down. We didn’t have anything clear for quite a while.
      “With more goals we opened them up. The start was tough but we had to dig it out when we were not getting it all our way, it’s important that we learn how to create chances against those types of sides.”
      England continued their superb start by adding to their advantage.
      Bukayo Saka rifled home from Maguire’s knockdown on 43 minutes.
      And then Raheem Sterling turned home Harry Kane’s cross to make it three before the break.
      England eventually went on to win the game 6-2 with Saka bagging another and substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also on target.
      Bellingham cheekily told BBC beforehand he had been saving his first goalCredit: BBC More

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      England 6-2 Iran – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Grealish slots SIXTH to break record for opening game after Saka double

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      ENGLAND have thrashed Iran 6-2 to record their biggest World Cup opening game win!Teen star Jude Bellingham opened the scoring to head England in front for his first international goal before Bukayo Saka notched either side of a Raheem Sterling strike.
      Super subs Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish then ran in England’s fifth and sixth before Iran scored a 103rd minute penalty.

      Result: England 6-2 Iran
      England XI: Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Sterling, Mount, Saka; Kane
      Iran XI: Beiranvand; Moharrami, Pouraliganji, Hosseini, Mohammedi; Nourollahi, Cheshmi, Hajsafi; Jahanbakhsh, Taremi, Karimi

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from England’s World Cup opener…
      Rashford strikes again
      Marcus Rashford scored just 49 seconds after coming on for England, the third-quickest goal by a substitute in World Cup history.
      Credit: PA
      England legend Teddy Sheringham reacts to Three Lions win

      Jude Bellingham reacts
      When speaking to BBC One, the England midfielder said: “I told you I was saving that goal, really good day game for us.
      “Six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive, regardless of who you play against. They came out really well, really strong, hard to break down and we didn’t have anything clear for quite a while.
      “With more goals we opened them up but the start was tough and we had to dig it out, even when we weren’t getting it all our own way. Important that we learned how to create chances against those kind of sides. Bit disappointed about the two goals to be honest.”
      When discussing his goal, he added: “To be honest, I thought it had missed! Then it took ages to loop into the goal.
      “I said I wanted to score more goals for Dortmund and England this year and to get in the right position. Brilliant ball in from Shaw and I was just there to flick it away. Really proud moment for me.”
      Credit: Getty
      Match Stats

      Bellingham impresses after scoring his first international goal
      Jude Bellingham has become England’s second youngest scorer at the World Cup (19 years, 145 days) behind only Michael Owen in 1998 (18 years, 190 days).
      Credit: Twitter.com / @oilysailor
      Bukayo Saka reacts
      When speaking to BBC One, the England winger said: “I can’t describe the feeling, it is amazing.
      “I am so happy and so proud. We got the win as well so it is a really special day.
      “We needed that good start. We haven’t played the best coming into the tournament. There was a lot of talk and speculation about our form but we showed everyone how much quality we have and what we can do.
      “It is amazing to get the win under so much pressure. But we have to be consistent because we have the next game coming up in a few days and we have to win again.
      “I feel in a good place. I feel the support and love from the fans, the coaching staff and my team-mates. That is all I need. I feel ready to give 100% and I will continue to do that every time I put the shirt on.”
      Credit: Getty
      Saka shines on World Cup debut

      Full Time – England 6-2 Iran
      What a performance from England!
      Gareth Southgate couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign, especially considering it was the most triumphant of any opening game victory in the country’s history!
      Saka and Bellingham were both outstanding throughout, causing numerous problems for Iran with their creativity.
      Rashford and Grealish were also quick to make an impact when they came off the bench, along with Wilson who unselfishly claimed the assist for the sixth goal.
      Full Time – England 6-2 Iran
      That result marks England’s biggest ever World Cup opening game win!
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – England 6-2 Iran
      England take all three points from their opening game in style!
      90+13. GOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL IRAN!!!!!!
      Taremi slots the penalty into the bottom right corner, sending Pickford the wrong way!

      90+10. England 6-1 Iran
      Penalty to Iran!
      Taremi goes to ground following a shirt pull from Stones.
      It’s a soft penalty to give away – especially considering the one that Maguire was denied at the start of the game…
      90+9. England 6-1 Iran
      We’re 100 minutes into the game and we have our first VAR check!
      Iran could have a penalty here…
      90+8. England 6-1 Iran
      Iran come close to scoring a second!
      Teremi sends the ball through to Azmoun, who runs one-on-one with Pickford in goal.
      Azmoun attempts a powerful strike, but the England goalkeeper makes an incredible save to tip it onto the bar!
      90+7. England 6-1 Iran
      You can tell that England are back at a major tournament – ‘Southgate you’re the one’ is ringing around the stadium!
      90+2. England 6-1 Iran
      10 minutes have been added on!
      90+1. England 6-1 Iran
      Wilson latches on to a through ball and runs into the box.
      Just as he looks like he is about to shoot, he squares it to Grealish in the middle who taps the ball into an empty net!
      Credit: Reuters
      90. GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!!!!
      It’s SIX thanks to Grealish!!!!!

      83. England 5-1 Iran
      Rashford comes close to scoring a second!
      The winger receives the ball on the right before travelling into the box and unleashing a shot, but his effort is blocked.
      78. England 5-1 Iran
      Iran have made some changes.
      Karimi, Noorollahi, Jahanbakhsh, Mohammadi and Cheshimi have all been subbed off.
      Ezatolahi, Kanaanizadegen, Torabi, Gholizadeh and Azmoun are on.
      Inside the ground – redemption for Rashy
      Marcus Rashford has just scored with his first touches of the ball for England since missing a penalty against Italy in the final of Euro2020 at Wembley 16 months ago.
      That is why all the players mobbed him, writes Charlie Wyett.
      Credit: AP
      77. England 5-1 Iran
      Iran have another chance as Taremi travels into the box with the ball, but his strike flies way over the bar.
      75. England 5-1 Iran
      Another substitution for England.
      Kane is replaced by Wilson.
      73. England 5-1 Iran
      Just a few seconds after being introduced, Rashford nets England’s fifth of the match!
      The Man Utd star receives the ball on the right before cutting inside and slotting a low driven shot into the bottom left corner.
      Credit: AP
      72. GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!!!!
      Rashford scores with his first touch of the game!

      Load more entries… More

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      World Cup TV feed mysteriously ‘cut’ in Qatar’s fan zone as Harry Kane and England squad take the knee

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      A WORLD CUP feed was mysteriously cut on the big screen at the Qatar World Cup fan festival when England took the knee. It is claimed the screen blacked out for between 10 and 15 seconds as the Three Lions took part in the powerful gesture.
      Harry Kane leads the Three Lions in standing against oppressionCredit: Reuters
      Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka take the kneeCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kieran Trippier take the kneeCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s side decided to reintroduce taking the knee before kickoff after not doing so during recent fixtures.
      Qatar has faced criticism over its oppressive laws and treatment of migrant workers.
      The feed alleged was cut at the Fifa Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha – which is the central hub for fans at the World Cup.
      It was unclear if that was a deliberate move or a technical error for the big screen.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Two journalists on the ground at the fanzone tweeted about the fact the TV feed went black as England took the knee.
      Pictures from the festival show hundreds of fans gathered around the central big screen as Doha loomed in the background.
      And meanwhile as England took the knee, Iranian players appeared to refuse to sing their own national anthem.
      Iran has been swept by anti-regime and women’s rights protests in recent months – with thousands arrested and hundreds dead.
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      The two gestures came as the Qatar World Cup is overshadowed by politics and human rights issues.
      And it came amid a day of rowing and U-turns as the FA decided to ban Harry Kane wearing the “OneLove” armband during the game.
      The armbands were meant to promote inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights while same-sex relationships are criminal in Qatar.
      Fifa warned players could face a booking if they wore the armband as it was not officially sanctioned.
      But in a sudden U-turn, England, Wales, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark all decided to drop the gesture.
      “As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings,” they said.
      But despite this, England opted to continue taking the knee.
      Southgate explained: “We feel we should. It’s what we stand for as a team and have done for a long period of time.
      “Of course, we understand in the Premier League that clubs have decided to only do that for certain games, big occasions, we feel this is the biggest.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We think it is a strong statement to go around the world for young people in particular to see that inclusivity is very important.”
      It remains to be seen as to what other nations, if any, will join England in the gesture during the World Cup. More