Roy Keane became the latest of a number of TV pundits to express their views on the controversial hosting of this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking on ITV ahead of Argentina’s shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. The former Ireland captain powerfully expressed his views on the historical football tournament taking place in Qatar.
“The World Cup should not be here, you’ve got a country and the way they treat migrant workers and gay people,” Keane said.
Since the announcement of the tournament being held in Qatar 12 years ago, there has been so much controversy surrounding the human rights issues and treatment of migrant workers that go on in the country.
Keane, a former Manchester United captain, further went on to say.
“We’re on about spreading the game but dismissing human rights, it’s not right. It shouldn’t be here.”
These comments come after BBC presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker made a powerful speech ahead of the opening game of the tournament where he too expressed his views on the World Cup hosts.
“We (Alan Shearer and I) were in the room when the decision was made to host the World Cup in Qatar and it is really sad to see that no consideration has been given to human rights, workers rights.”
Many pundits and ex-players have been very outspoken and expressive of their views throughout the tournament. As well as Keane and Lineker, former Lioness and Arsenal captain Alex Scott has been praised for wearing the “One Love” armband that England and Wales captains Harry Kane and Gareth Bale were banned from wearing by FIFA, whilst presenting the England game yesterday.
The armband symbolises diversity and supporting minority groups, as well as trying to encourage change in the way that people are being treated. The captains from both countries were banned from wearing the armband by FIFA, as they said “football should take center stage” in Qatar and players would be threatened with a yellow card and a fine should they proceed to wear the armband.
Moving forward, England players have been encouraged to still take a knee by manager Gareth Southgate as it is a sign of support and makes a statement that there is no room for any form of discrimination in football.
