World Cup fans have managed to find England-themed thrawbs while in Qatar
British football fans have managed to find their own England robes while staying in Qatar for the World Cup.
The traditional Arabic robes, called thwarbs, are being sold to football fans in a variety of colours based off countries involved in the international tournament.
The ankle-length robes are often worn with a ghutra, which is a traditional Arabic headdress.
However, sports fans who have donned the traditional robes are reportedly being made to remove them before entering hotel bars amid fears they may upset the locals.
Alcohol is severely restricted in the devout Muslim nation, however it is being served to football fans in several four and five star hotels in the hosting nation.
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Portugal fan Frederico Ferraz revealed he was told to take off the Arabic robes he was wearing as he tried to enter The Red Lion, located in the Al Mansour Suites hotel.
"This has happened to me many times and I'm getting a bit sick of it," he explained to the Daily Mail.
"The security staff tell us that Qataris find it offensive because this outfit should only be worn for prayers and that it is exclusive to Muslims."
Ferraz had decided to have a few beers before making his way to Portugal's victorious 3-2 win against Ghana.
— Free Palestine (@chibiandchill) November 22, 2022
"I am not trying to offend anyone," he said.
"I'm just trying to show my appreciation of Qatari and Muslim culture. It's nonsense asking me to remove my robe."
George Franco, 51, said he was also asked to remove the traditional Arabic clothing he had on if he wanted to enter the hotel bar.
"We thought it would be a nice touch to celebrate Qatari culture by wearing their traditional clothing," he said,
"We don't want to upset anyone so when security asks us to remove it we do."
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He added: "It seems like a very petty thing and I don't understand why some locals are upset about this?"
Local man Hamad, who only gave his first name, said: "While we welcome people trying to appreciate our culture I find it offensive that they are wearing our traditional dress and drinking alcohol."
He told the Daily Mail: "It should not be allowed."
"The thawb and ghutra are a symbol not just of Qatari culture but Islamic culture. I know some people have voiced their concerns to security staff about people drinking alcohol while wearing them."
Topics: UK News, World News, World Cup, Football
Rachel Lang