FIFA to place stadium ban on England fans over crusader costumes

England fans will be barred from Friday’ match in Qatar against the United States and the upcoming World Cup games if they wear crusader replica costumes that are considered culturally insensitive and offensive in a Muslim country, FIFA has said.

Some England fans attended Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran dressed as the English patron Saint George, equipped with helmets, crosses, and plastic swords.

“Crusader costumes in the Arab or Middle East context can be offensive to Muslims. That is why anti-discrimination colleagues asked fans to wear things inside out or change dress,” said FIFA.