A fan has been prevented from entering a stadium with a pair of binoculars after security spotted alcohol hidden inside.
In a daring attempt to smuggle the booze into the stadium, the fan was arrested just before he made his way into the ground for the Mexico vs Poland clash.
In a video clip, the fan wearing a Mexican jersey is subjected to a thorough search by security guards who have been alerted to the presence of the pair of binoculars, which are not usually an item in the spectators’ bag for a day football.
The security team’s suspicions were validated when one of the guards unscrewed the eye lenses to reveal a tube from which liquid could be drawn.
No one knows what kind of alcohol was inside the binoculars, but given Qatar’s strict stance on alcohol consumption, it’s likely it wasn’t a non-alcoholic drink. alcoholic.
FIFA initially confirmed that ticket holders would be allowed to consume alcohol within the stadium perimeter before and after matches.
But two days before the tournament kicked off, FIFA changed its mind.
A statement from FIFA reads: “Following discussions between the authorities of the host country and FIFA, it has been decided to concentrate the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing beer outlets from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium perimeters.”
The decision caused an uproar among fans who had planned to grab a beer or two during the World Cup.
Alcohol can be consumed in Qatar, but there is a zero tolerance approach to consumption in public while public drunkenness is prohibited.
talkSPORT BET DEAL OF THE DAY
Bet €10 Get €30 free bets* – CLAIM HERE
18+ Sign up, bet £10+ at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. No collection. Get 3 x £10 free bets on selected events. 7 day bonus expiration. Card payments only. Click for T&Cs. BeGambleAware.org | Please play responsibly
SEE MORE WORLD CUP FREE BETS HERE