“It’s just a finger to the face really isn’t it?” - Cheltenham public have their say on the upcoming World Cup in Qatar

With the controversial 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar set to begin this Sunday, the folks out and about on Bath Road, Cheltenham, have had their say

The members of the public were asked about their thoughts on many of the issues surrounding the country that is the host of the tournament.

Those ranged from the labour abuse that migrant workers face, to the continued discrimination and lack of human rights towards women and those in the LGBTQ community.

Mae, one member of the public told me: “We have the issues with countries in the Middle East and their political and human rights issues, and then you hold it there anyway, It’s just a finger to the face really isn’t it?

She prefixed that with, “I have mates that are also female that play or are into football, so I’m thinking of them too, women’s welfare as well as the LGBTQ+ community.

“I’m sure there are many footballers who are male, who are playing out there, and who probably are part of the community as well, not just allies, I expect they’ll find it a bit insensitive or insulting.

Caleb joined Mae in Cheltenham today, and also gave an opinion on the controversial tournament: “As a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I don’t support it whatsoever, I think it’s a bit of a disgrace, to be honest.

“I wouldn’t have been interested anyway and now it’s being held in a place like Qatar, where it’s not very inclusive, or a safe place for athletes to be, I don’t want to support it.”

Alex followed the same lines as Mae and Caleb: “They say they’re welcoming anyone and everyone, but is that reflected in the way they treat the people who live there?”

Meanwhile, Ian and Michael had differing opinions when asked if they’d go to Qatar if given a free pass, the former said no, the latter yes.

Ian: “I wouldn’t trust it, I wouldn’t trust their security, I wouldn’t trust the safety, I wouldn’t trust also the outcome of what could happen after anything bad does happen.”

Michael raised an interesting point when asked about the problems fans may see, the prospect of a greater clampdown on fan violence.

“I think it will get cracked down faster than it usually does because that’s what they do over there, It’s a police state”

All eyes will be on Qatar welcoming the world on Sunday with the opening ceremony being the warm-up for their opening group match against Ecuador.

Monday sees the start of both England and Wales’ campaigns, as the Three Lions face Iran at 1300 before Wales plays their first World Cup match since 1958 against the US, at 1900.