Watford call off friendly against Qatar amid supporters' concerns

Watford have cancelled a friendly against the Qatar national side after complaints from supporters' groups concerned about human rights.

When the fixture was first announced, the Proud Hornets and Women of Watford FC groups said they were "disappointed" by the decision.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and there are strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

The country has also been heavily criticised over its treatment of migrant workers building stadiums for the World Cup, to be held in the country later this year.

A club spokesman said: "The game was never finalised and it became abundantly clear this was a game not to play; as such, the schedule was revised."

In a joint statement, the two supporters' groups said: "WOW and Proud Hornets are delighted that Watford FC has listened to our concerns and cancelled the game with Qatar.

"We look forward to continuing our discussions with the club on all equality, diversity and inclusion issues."

• World Cup 2022: Why are Qatar hosting and when is it taking place?
• World Cup Qatar 2022: Day-by-day guide to fixtures

Laura Goodes from Women of Watford told BBC Three Counties Radio she had been "gobsmacked" when the Qatar fixture was announced.

"We're delighted they have listened to us and the Proud Hornets. It's sometimes hard to admit you are wrong and do a U-turn but they did that quite quickly," she said.

"Whatever Watford do on the pitch, and in recent times it hasn't been that brilliant, what we are so proud of is the club's history, since the 1970s with Elton John and Graham Taylor, of being a family club, of being focused on diversity and inclusion."

She added: "They've changed their mind and we really welcome that. Hopefully this will just re-emphasise the importance of human rights, inclusivity, equality and diversity to the club."

Qatar will stage the World Cup from 21 November to 18 December this year, having been chosen as hosts in 2010.

Some England fans have said they will not travel to the tournament and, speaking in March, manager Gareth Southgate said: "There are the issues that potentially threaten our fans when they travel - the rights of women and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in particular.

"Sadly, through discussions that I've had, I don't think some of those communities are going to go and that's a great shame."

The World Cup will also be boycotted by some of the Wales national team's staff because of the country's stance on gay rights.

In their own preparations for the tournament, Qatar lost 1-0 to Irish Premiership champions Linfield last week in a practice match in Marbella.