Gary Lineker has issued a warning ahead of the World Cup after a live TV reporter was forced off air by Qatar authorities just days before the tournament is due to get underway.
A crew from Danish network TV2 were in the middle of a piece to camera on Tuesday evening when a group ordered them to stop filming.
In a now viral video, reporter Rasmus Tantholdt is seen attempting to speak to the authorities, who had appeared on a golf buggy.
Mr Tantholdt said: “You have invited the whole world here. Why can't we film? It is a public place.”
Reporter Rasmus Tantholdt is seen attempting to speak to the authorities
TV2
He then showed his accreditation before a security guard was seen grappling with the cameraman, as he made threats to destroy the camera if they continued filming.
Mr Tantholdt added: “You can break the camera. You want to break it? Go ahead. You're threatening us by breaking the camera.”
Reacting to the video, Mr Lineker posted a simple message on Twitter.
The former England forward turned television presenter said: “Bodes well”, with the tournament set to get underway on Sunday.
Organisers of the Qatar World Cup have since apologised to the Danish camera crew.
A statement from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the local organisers of the tournament, accepted the crew did have the correct permits to film and that an apology was issued.
“Tournament organisers are aware of an incident where a Danish broadcast crew were mistakenly interrupted during a live broadcast in one of Qatar’s tourist destinations,” the statement read.
“Upon inspection of the crew’s valid tournament accreditation and filming permit, an apology was made to the broadcaster by on-site security before the crew resumed their activity.
“Tournament organisers have since spoken to the journalist and issued an advisory to all entities to respect the filming permits in place for the tournament.”
Organisers have also hit back at reports that fake fans have been employed to greet the teams as they arrive in the Gulf state.
Gary Lineker
PA
“Fans from all over the world – many of whom have made Qatar their home – have contributed to the local atmosphere recently, organising fan walks and parades throughout the country, and welcoming the various national teams at their hotels,” a separate statement read.
“Numerous journalists and commentators on social media have questioned whether these are ‘real’ fans.
“We thoroughly reject these assertions, which are both disappointing and unsurprising.
“Qatar, and the rest of the world, is comprised of a diverse range of football fans, many of whom share emotional connections with multiple nations.
“In different places around the world, fans have different traditions, different ways to celebrate, and while that may contrast with what people are used to in Europe or South America, it doesn’t mean the passion for football is any less authentic.
“Journalists on the ground who speak and meet these fans are realising the reality.
“We look forward to the continuing build-up to the kick off of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and it truly representing a moment that connects fans from all over the world, no matter how they choose to support their favourite teams.”
