Footage has emerged showing what happened after a video went viral that captured two fans clashing at the opening game of the 2022 World Cup.
The clip, which has been shared more than 3,500 times on Twitter, shows an Ecuador supporter making his thoughts on his country’s disallowed goal against Qatar very well known.
The fan can be seen rubbing his fingers together in a gesture that implies the host nation had rigged the tournament’s first game, sparking a rather hostile reaction from one Qatar supporter who responds by shouting at the fan to be quiet.
Ecuador’s captain and leading goalscorer Enner Valencia thought he had given his team the perfect start to their World Cup campaign when he headed home from a free-kick inside three minutes, only for VAR to rule it out for offside moments later.
Initial replays seemed to indicate there was very little wrong with what would have been the fastest ever goal in a World Cup opening match.
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However, on closer inspection, an Ecuadorian player’s leg was indeed in an offside position when the free-kick was first taken.
Widespread outrage on social media soon followed, with many users sharing in the Ecuador fan’s frustrations.
“Christ, if that’s offside then there’s no point watching any of this,” one tweeted. “How was that offside? This is so fixed man!” another added.
Ecuadorian anger soon turned to jubilation, however, after Valencia bagged a brace to give his country a winning start and ensure their opposition became the first host nation in history to taste defeat in the opening game of a World Cup.
Shortly after the game, new footage was posted on Twitter showing the two opposing fans reconciling in the stands, with the Qatar supporting saying: “In the end we’re all here to watch this beautiful game.”
You can see that clip below.
The Ecuador fan then added: “We got passionate. Sometimes it makes people upset, but we come together for sport. Sport brings people together, so we’re very friendly with each other. I wish Qatar the best and it’s a beautiful World Cup so far. You guys are so friendly, I love it.”
Next up for Qatar is a clash with Senegal as the host country’s hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16 hang in the balance.
Ecuador, meanwhile, have the daunting task of going up against Group A favourites the Netherlands.
Topics: Football World Cup, Qatar, Ecuador
George Nash