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UK football police unclear how Qatar will treat supporters at WC


The head of UK football policing says it's still unclear about how exactly Qatar's police force will treat visitors at the World Cup, and whether supporters will be criminalised for displaying rainbow flags in the country.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts has told Sky Sports News that, despite several high-level meetings with tournament organisers and Qatari police, UK officials are still not sure about how Qatar's strict laws will be enforced on the streets of Doha.

"Until we are actually there and the tournament is in full swing we are not certain exactly what the tolerances are," said Roberts.

    "Our officers will be there to engage, speak to local law enforcement about what they find acceptable, and communicate that to supporters. We are not here to judge."

    It comes at a time when supporter groups have criticised the mixed messages being given to England and Wales fans planning on heading to the Middle East in the next few weeks.

    Alicia Kearns, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, said over the weekend that supporters should take 'burner phones' to use in Qatar, to avoid spyware monitoring their private communications.

    However, David Clay, joint head of the Arabian Peninsula Department for the Foreign Office, on Tuesday said: "We are aware of those comments, but at the moment that is not part of our advice to visitors and fans."

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