World Cup viewers don't think they can see very many women in the opening game crowd
Anish Vij
Featured Image Credit: BBC/Kieran McManus/Shutterstock
World Cup viewers don't think they can see very many women in the opening game crowd.
Today (20 November) sees the opening day of the controversial World Cup as Qatar takes on Ecuador.
As we're all now aware, Qatar has faced widespread criticism for the lack of inclusivity and equal gender rights. And during the 4pm (GMT) kick-off viewers, pretty much immediately, thought there were a 'lack of women' in the crowd.
"There's no women in the crowd," one fan expressed on social media as someone else questioned: "Spot the women in the crowd, are they even allowed to attend???"
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And just for the record, yes, women are allowed to attend games - not only at the World Cup, but at any other football match in general.
Meanwhile, a third person added: "There aren’t many women in that crowd. Just saying."
"Good to see all the women in the crowd," a fourth sarcastically wrote, while another said: "So weird seeing a football crowd with no women in it."
I mean, sometimes when you're watching at home, it can be difficult spotting faces in the crowd and, as pictures show, women are most definitely in attendance.
And according to statistics from Statista, 37 percent of football fans are women. However, men do tend to be the majority at 63 percent.
Earlier today, the BBC broadcast of the game saw Gary Lineker give a powerful opening monologue ahead of the first game.
Lineker, who was presenting live from the Al Bayt stadium in Doha, said: “It’s the most controversial World Cup in history, and a ball has not yet been kicked.
“Ever since Fifa chose Qatar back in 2010, the smallest nation to have hosted football’s greatest competition has faced some big questions.
“From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums, where many lost their lives.
“Homosexuality is illegal here [in Qatar]. Women’s rights and freedom of expression are in the spotlight.
“Also, the decision six years ago to switch the tournament from summer to winter. Against that backdrop, there’s a tournament to be played.
“One that will be watched and enjoyed around the world. Stick to football, said Fifa. Well we will, for a couple of minutes at least.”
Ecuador currently lead Qatar by two goals to nil at the time of writing.
Enner Valencia bagged a brace after his first goal, in the third minute, was controversially chalked off by VAR for offside.