England team arrive in Qatar in Gay Pride plane prior to World Cup kickoff – Insidethegames.biz
England’s men’s squad have arrived in Qatar, for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, on an aeroplane with a Gay Pride sign emblazoned across it to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The Three Lions arrived in Doha on a “Rain Bow” Virgin Atlantic A350 Airbus aircraft despite the host country’s criminalisation of homosexuality.
The jet features a picture of Oscar, a cartoon man holding a union flag while wearing a pair of multi-coloured trainers.
It also sports the registration number GV-PRD in a nod to the Gay Pride movement.
Following a light training session yesterday evening, Gareth Southgate’s side are set to begin serious preparations for their World Cup campaign at the Al Wakrah training facility prior to their curtain- raiser against Iran on November 21.
They were welcomed by groups of adoring fans outside of the complex, waving flags and delivering messages of support.
England and Iran are joined in Group B by Wales and the United States.
Football Association officials are said to have proposed the idea of the plane’s motif to highlight concerns over gay rights in Qatar, where anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished by up to seven years in prison.
“We’re very strong on inclusivity,” said manager Southgate.
“We understand the challenges that this tournament brings… the human rights challenges.
“We’ve always spoken about issues we think should be talked about, particularly ones we feel we can affect.”
Germany sent a similar message to England in their latest protest against Qatar’s stance on homosexuality.
Die Mannschaft travelled on a Lufthansa airliner with the words “diversity wins” written across it.
One of England’s group opponents, the US, have redesigned their logo to also show support for Gay Pride.
The original red stripes have been replaced with rainbow colours.
Although the new crest will not feature on their playing kits, it is featured all around the country’s team base accompanied by the slogan “one nation”.
The tournament is due to run from November 20 to December 18 with hosts Qatar and Ecuador set to meet in the first match.