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WATCH: Tensions Boil Over In World Cup Qualifying as Qatar Players and UAE Fans FIGHT Pitchside

Cai Parry Written by Sports EditorCai Parry
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Qatar UAE Fight

Watch the moment tensions boiled over at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium as a fight broke out between Qatar players and UAE fans during a World Cup qualifier.

Chaos Ensues as Qatar Defeat UAE To Qualify for World Cup

Tuesday evening’s World Cup qualifier between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates descended into chaos as a fight broke out pitchside between the Qatari players and the UAE fans.

Both sides headed into the match knowing that they were able to secure qualification for next summer’s finals, with Qatar needing a win, while the UAE just needed to avoid defeat.

With so much on the line, tension was in the air in Doha.

A cagey first-half saw the pair head into the break level at 0-0, but it would take just four minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock through Boualem Khoukhi in the second period.

Objects were seen being hurled at the Qatari players in the aftermath of the goal.

Qatar, now managed by former West Ham United and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, then doubled their lead with just 16 minutes of normal time remaining through Pedro Miguel.

Once again, Emirati fans hurled a variety of objects at players, while some stormed towards the pitch to clash with Qatar players and members of staff, with a fight breaking out pitchside.

Among the objects being thrown were iPhones, sandals, water bottles and car keys.

Additional angles show what looks to be a photographer throwing shoes at Qatari players, too.

Security was forced to intervene, and multiple supporters were escorted out of the stadium.

WATCH: Qatar Players FIGHT UAE Fans During Qualifier

Despite Tarek Salman’s red card and Sultan Adil’s injury time goal prompting a late fight back from the UAE, Qatar held on to claim an historic 2-1 victory on home turf.

The win put them top of Group A in the fourth round of Asian qualification, ahead of the UAE and Oman, with the Emiratis now advancing to the fifth round and playoffs.

It marks the first time in history that Qatar have qualified for the World Cup via the qualification route. They qualified for the 2022 edition of the tournament as hosts.

The chaotic encounter brings an end to a dramatic international break, with police detaining a Nicaragua player before facing Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying earlier in the week, too.

Cai Parry Written by Sports EditorCai Parry
Cai is a news and features writer that specialises in football, but has experience covering a variety of other sports, including darts, basketball, American football, MMA, boxing and more. He holds a degree in Football Journalism (BA Hons) from the University of Derby, and worked with Nottingham Forest FC and Burton Albion FC throughout his studies. Cai also has experience working in social media with the Football Association of Wales, where he worked on a freelance basis, and has also been an accredited writer in the JD Cymru Premier for both Y Clwb PĂȘl-Droed and welshfootie since the 2019/20 season.
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