On Sunday, when commentating on television during the World Cup match between Germany and Spain, former Germany striker Sandro Wagner made a derogatory remark regarding the traditional dress of Qatari males.
Wagner was commentating on the teams’ 1-1 tie for German broadcaster ZDF in the 79th minute when he stated that he believed one end of the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor was packed with German fans.
“It wasn’t until then that I realized they were Qatari bathrobes,” Wagner remarked.
Wagner was alluding to the thaub, the traditional white, long-sleeved, full-length robe worn by many males in the region.
Wagner’s remarks provoked heated responses on social media.
ZDF responded to some of the complaints on Twitter with a brief statement: “Unfortunately, Sandro Wagner’s statements on the thaub happened during an intense part of the game. He is not allowed (to say that). We’ll discuss it.”
In 2018, Qatari supporters protested against Germany for Mesut Ozil’s abusive behavior.
AP
Wagner has previously made eight appearances for Germany and has played for a number of German clubs, including Bayern Munich.
During the game, Qatari supporters protested against the Germany squad by covering their mouths and waving images of former Germany player Mesut Ozil, who has been the focus of racial abuse in Germany since the team’s early elimination from the 2018 World Cup.
»World Cup television analyst criticized for insulting Qatari attire«