Portugal vs Uruguay game halted as pitch invader runs on with rainbow flag

The World Cup Group H clash between Portugal and Uruguay was briefly halted after a fan ran onto the pitch with a rainbow flag.

There was a stoppage for a Ruben Neves injury in the second half of the game at the Lusail Stadium and then just when proceedings resumed, a pitch invader rushed onto the turf.

ITV cameras cut away, with commentator Jon Champion saying the broadcaster didn't want to "glorify" the antics.

However, it was evident that the fan was making quite the statement in carrying a flag showing support to the LGBTQ+ community.

It comes after captains from seven nations, including England and Wales, were prohibited from wearing the 'One Love' armbands and told they could well be booked if they boycotted the ruling.

The fan, who was eventually caught and apprehended by security, also wore a Superman shirt which had the words, 'Save Ukraine' on the front and 'Respect for Iranian women' on the back.

Footage from the stands showed the full extent of the one-person pitch invasion, with the individual hailed by many for his brave actions.

This pitch invader during the Portugal-Uruguay match was holding a rainbow flag.

The front of his shirt read 'Save Ukraine' and the back read 'Respect For Iranian Women'. pic.twitter.com/DeHDf4jQ7S

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 28, 2022

fan on the pitch with a rainbow flag at the World Cup pic.twitter.com/tH5cgb3rKy

— alex (@highlghtheaven) November 28, 2022

The referee picked up the rainbow flag after the individual had been detained. Homosexuality is currently illegal in Qatar under Islamic State Sharia law and there has been a number of examples reported in regards to the treatment fans and journalists wearing rainbow colours have been subjected to.

There were reports that Wales supporters were not allowed to wear bucket hats with a rainbow flag, while a Danish journalist was told by police to remove the same armband that Alex Scott wore live on air during the BBC's coverage of England's 6-2 win over Iran.

Similarly, United States-based journalist Grant Wahl was told to "change his shirt" in order to gain entry into the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium after wearing a top which had a football and rainbow on it.

Wahl claims he was "detained" for 30 minutes as he geared up to watch the USMNT's 1-1 draw with Wales.