A Qatar World Cup 2022 match between Portugal and Uruguay came to a brief halt on Monday after a protestor wearing a 'Save Ukraine' t-shirt and carrying a rainbow flag ran onto the pitch mid-match.
The protester's shirt read 'Respect for Iranian Women' on the back, while also sporting a Superman logo on the front - in what appears to be a triple protest for LGBT+ rights, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the ongoing Iranian demonstrations over women's rights.
The game, which was in the second half, was subsequently paused for a period of around five minutes, while stewards chased the invader down before removing him from the field.
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The rainbow flag which he dropped remained on pitch at the Lusail Stadium following his removal, until referee Alireza Faghani retrieved it and removed it. There were mixed reviews as football fans watched the chaos unfold around the world - many taking to social media to have their say.
One wrote: "HAS SOMEONE JUST RAN THROUGH THE PORTUGAL GAME WITH A RAINBOW FLAG. HERO," while another, added: "That pitch invader with the rainbow flag is a very brave person…"
A third, penned: "Save Ukraine. Respect for Iranian woman. Rainbow flag. All said by one guy," while a fourth, commented: "B****y superman this geezer - amazing."
The act comes just over a week after FIFA threatened international captains with penalties such as yellow cards should they choose to wear the all-inclusive One Love armband in their World Cup fixtures. Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Virgil Van Dijk and other captains were set to sport the armband, before reversing their decision at the last minute.
This year's competition has been controversial due to the anti-LGBT+ laws in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. Rainbow flags worn by Wales fans were even confiscated earlier in the tournament, as punters sported them while trying to enter the stadium.
In Iran meanwhile, protests have been taking place over the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody.
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has also sparked world-wide condemnation, with Putin's army invading their neighbouring state in February this year. The two countries remain in conflict more than nine months later.
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