Qatari World Cup chief accuses the BBC of ‘very racist’ coverage – The Times

The head of Qatar’s World Cup organisation has described aspects of the BBC’s coverage as “very racist” and accused Gary Lineker of ignoring attempts to engage with the organisers before criticising them on television.

Hassan al-Thawadi condemned the broadcaster for allowing Lineker to launch its World Cup coverage with a three-minute monologue focusing on the country’s poor human rights record for women, migrant workers, and the LGBT community. In an interview with talkSPORT, Thawadi, the head of the committee for delivery and legacy, also defended the decision to deny those wearing rainbow colours entry into stadiums and admitted to having “an issue with” European teams wanting their captains to wear a One Love armband in support of LGBT rights.

Sir Tony Blair has also said