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World Cup Pitch Invader Carrying Rainbow Flag Interrupts Portugal Vs Uruguay

A World Cup pitch invader waved a rainbow flag after running onto the field in the 51st minute of Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay in Qatar on Monday.

Robert Summerscales

World Cup Pitch Invader Carrying Rainbow Flag Interrupts Portugal Vs Uruguay
World Cup Pitch Invader Carrying Rainbow Flag Interrupts Portugal Vs Uruguay /

A pitch invader waved a rainbow flag after running onto the field in the 51st minute of Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday.

The rainbow flag, also commonly referred to as the Pride flag, is a symbol widely used by those who wish to show support for LGBTQ+ rights.

The subject of gay rights has been a hot topic surrounding FIFA's decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

Multiple fans have reported during the tournament that stadium security staff have told them to remove hats and tee-shirts featuring a rainbow design.

However, Monday's pitch invader managed not only to get his flag into Lusail Stadium, but he was able to drop it in the center of the playing field.

A pitch invader pictured holding a rainbow flag during the World Cup game between Portugal and Uruguay in Qatar
A pitch invader pictured holding a rainbow flag during the World Cup game between Portugal and Uruguay in Qatar :: IMAGO/Bildbyran/Joel Marklund

He was tackled by security moments later and the referee then moved the flag to the side of the field before a member of stadium staff came to take it elsewhere.

The pitch invader was wearing a Superman tee-shirt printed with two messages.

The front of his tee-shirt read: "SAVE UKRAINE", while the back was emblazoned with: "RESPECT FOR IRANIAN WOMAN". 

READ MORE: American Journalist Grant Wahl "Detained" Before USA Game For Wearing Rainbow Shirt

Security staff at Lusail Stadium pictured escorting a pitch invader off the field during a World Cup game between Portugal and Uruguay in November 2022
Security staff escorted the pitch invader off the field after he was tackled to the ground :: IMAGO/PA Images/Adam Davy
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Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.