The pitch invader during Portugal’s World Cup game against Uruguay has avoided any further legal action but is being removed from Qatar.
The man identified as Mario Ferri drew public attention after sprinting onto the field at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Monday, waving a rainbow flag while dawning wearing a T-shirt that read “Save Ukraine” on the front and “Respect for Iranian women” on the back.
Mr. Ferri was however quickly pursued and detained by security officials who escorted him off the field and eventually out of the venue.
On Tuesday, the 35-year-old, who describes himself as a footballer and influencer, updated his IG following that he had been released from detention by the Qatari authorities Sky news reports.
“So many emotions right now. No legal consequence I am free,” he posted on his Instagram stories.
In a separate post, he described himself as a “Robin Hood 2.0” and detailed the reasons behind his pitch invasion.
“I wanted to send IMPORTANT messages for me that I have lived on my skin in the past months,” he wrote.
“A message for Iran where I have friends who are suffering, where women are not respected.
“FIFA banned captain armbands with rainbow and human rights flags in the stands, they blocked everyone BUT NOT ME.
“SAVE UKRAINE. I was a month in the war in Kiev as a volunteer and I saw how much those people are suffering.”
Qatar World Cup Supreme Committee confirmed that Mr Ferri story via a statement, which said he was “released shortly after being removed from the pitch” and “his embassy informed”
They also noted that: “His Hayya Card has been cancelled and he has been banned from attending future matches at this tournament.”
Hayya cards act as a form of credential for access to stadiums and must be obtained for entry to Qatar, with some football fans reporting problems having them approved in time for matches.
Qatar’s laws against homosexuality and the treatment of LGBT have been the subject of much scrutiny in the run-up to the Middle Eastern region’s first ever hosting of a senior FIFA World Cup .
Seven European teams lost the battle to wear multi-coloured “One Love” armbands during World Cup matches.
Fans were also prohibited from bring items with rainbow colors, which symbolized of LGBTQ community into the stadiums of the conservative Islamic emirate.
Qatar had said everyone was welcome, including LGBTQ fans, however visitors should respect the nation’s culture.
It’s understood that Mr Ferri, has a history of pitch invasions, reportedly doing a similar action during the Belgium v USA match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when his T-shirt read: “Save Favelas Children”.
