Qatari fans have opted to show their disapproval for any form of racism and discrimination against others, and honour their traditions of mutual respect and acceptance of cultural difference among peoples.
During the Spain- Germany match at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, they raised the photos of Mesut Ozil, former German footballer of Turkish origins, who won 92 caps for the German national team between 2009 and 2018, but left the team due to what he described as 'racism' and 'disrespect' against him. Through this, the Qatari fans stressed, in a very quiet and highly disciplined way, their stand that everybody has the right to be respected, and Doha welcomes all while it rejects any form of double standards and racism.
"It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events I will no longer be playing for Germany at the international level while I have this feeling of racism and disrespect," Ozil stated at the time.
"I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I do not. I feel unwanted and think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten,” the statement added.
He took such a decision after Germany's early exit from the FIFA World Cup in 2018. Then, he pointed out that he had been unjustifiably blamed for the loss.
Ozil said: "I am German when we win but I am an immigrant when we lose."
When the Qatari fans raised his photo at the Spain-Germany Match at Al Bayt Stadium, they clearly declared their rejection of the double standards adopted by some western media, who claim that they are defending diversity, acceptance and respect of cultural differences.
Last week, Germany’s team covered their mouths in their first World Cup game to protest FIFA’s banning the “One Love” armbands.
Fans cover their mouths while holding pictures of former Germany player Mesut Ozil at Al Bayt Stadium
