England cricket icon Kevin Pietersen suggests ALL football tournaments should be held in the Middle East, as he slams ‘hooligans’ from ‘Wembley disgrace’ at the Euros last year… but fans say he’s ‘ignoring’ migrant deaths
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has called for ‘every football tournament’ to be staged in the Middle-East after attending the World Cup in Qatar.
Pietersen posted a social media video of supporters outside one of the World Cup stadiums the day after Argentina beat France in the final.
He contrasted the peaceful scenes with the chaos at last year’s European Championship final between England and Italy, when thousands of ticketless fans tried to storm Wembley Stadium.
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has said all football tournaments should be staged in the Middle East after enjoying the experience of the Qatar World Cup
But Pietersen was accused of ‘ignoring’ the deaths of thousands of migrant workers during the building of stadiums and infrastructure in Qatar.
The former batsman wrote: ‘A football tournament WITHOUT hooligans. Having been at that Wembley disgrace last year and now in Qatar, Qatar was so much better.
‘On another level actually. Maybe every football tournament should be in the Middle East where the fan experience can be enjoyed by mums, dads, boys, girls – EVERYONE! Well done, Qatar!
‘P.S. pls don’t respond with any negativity to this post unless you were physically in Doha and experienced what many people did. Thanks.’
Thousands of Argentina fans attended Sunday’s World Cup final in which they defeated France
Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup after an epic final that went all the way to penalties
Back on December 14, Pietersen tweeted: ‘Qatar, Saudi & Dubai in a few days. The Middle East is thriving.
‘Economically stable and growing fast, safe & secure, education A Grade & sun shines where everyone is smiling.
‘I can see why so many people have moved and are considering leaving Europe to live here! #ThePlaceToBe.’
He also posted a video and tweet praising the atmosphere created by Argentina fans at their quarter-final with the Netherlands on December 9.
Pietersen witnessed a World Cup final for the ages as France twice fought back to parity against Argentina – in normal time and extra time – before losing on penalties.
But his post immediately attracted criticism for overlooking human rights abuses and migrant worker deaths in Qatar.
One comment said: ‘Now imagine thousands of workers dying to build a rhino sanctuary with excellent facilities.’
Another said: ‘If only you cared for minority rights like you care for the rhinos, Kevin.’
Pietersen’s social media post praising Qatar didn’t win favour with everyone on Instagram
One other reply said: ‘Not everyone could enjoy safely with the threat of arrest and death, no gay or LGBTQ+ people could even travel out and watch the game.
‘The alcohol ban was probably the reason their [sic] were no hooligans but let’s not forget about the corruption and archaic rules surrounding the gay community… and women’s rights in this country.
‘It’s a disgrace that this World Cup went ahead in such a hostile place. So no not EVERYONE could enjoy it!’
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