Qatar World Cup security refuse journalist entry into stadium for LGBT+ shirt

A US reporter has claimed he was denied entry into the USMNT's opening World Cup Group B clash against Wales for wearing a rainbow-themed t-shirt in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

Homosexuality is currently illegal in the country under Islamic State Sharia law.

On Monday, United States-based reporter Grant Wahl attempted to enter the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium wearing a t-shirt with a football on it, surrounded by a rainbow.

He tweeted that he had been denied entry into the stadium for wearing the t-shirt.

Wahl's message reads: "Just now: Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. 'You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.'"

Shortly after, Wahl sent a follow-up in which he claimed he was 'detained' for nearly half an hour.

He said: "I’m OK, but that was an unnecessary ordeal. Am in the media centre, still wearing my shirt. Was detained for nearly half an hour. Go gays."

Earlier on Monday, a host of nations backed down from wearing a 'One Love' armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Scott also claimed it 'would've been easy' to boycott the tournament.

"I love my job and when I think about it sitting here and having the harder conversations and it's bigger isn't it? We're talking about migrant workers, we're talking about the LGBT+ community, we're talking about women's rights.

"You think about four years ago, I was thinking about it this morning, I was the first female pundit for the BBC at the World Cup. You think how far we've moved in the last four years.

"Let's hope in the next four years at the world cup we're never having to have those conversations again."