Qatar 2022: England Fans Dressed as 'Crusaders' are being Persecuted by The Enemies of The Cross

💭 England fans dressed as 'Christian Crusaders' at the World Cup were widely derided on social media after being prevented by security staff from entering a stadium in Doha.

England fans dressed as "Christian Crusaders" were seen being prevented by security staff from entering a stadium in Doha during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Footage on social media showed two male fans - dressed in fake armour and covered in sheets showing a red cross on a white background, commonly associated with the Crusades - being spoken to by security staff outside a stadium gate.

The stadium was the Khalifa International Stadium, according to British media reports.

The fans appeared in the clip to be walking away from the stadium after discussions with security staff.

There were unconfirmed reports online the two 'Crusaders' were later detained, while others said that they were allowed to enter the stadium but their swords were confiscated.

Another clip of an England fan dressed as a "crusader" and telling reporters that "fans are the essence of the game" also drew scorn online. The video was from an interview for UK news channel TalkTV. "We are what makes football," he said.