Main content

The secret England fan

What was it like to be a gay man travelling in a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised? Lifelong England fan, Phil, kept an audio diary of his experience in Qatar.

For England football fans, the evening of December 10th is one few will want to remember - the moment when Harry Kane missed the second penalty in the France/England quarter-final - ending the Three Lions' dream in Qatar.

Thousands of England supporters were watching the match at the Al Bayt stadium. But, in a country where it's illegal to be gay, how many of them were from the LGBT community? Phil was one of a few who decided to go. He travelled to Qatar for the group stages of the competition.

With the help of Josh Parry, the ±«Óãtv's LGBT and identity reporter, Phil recorded an audio diary of his Qatar experience, so we could hear what it was really like to be there. They exchanged messages on an encrypted app, in order to ensure his safety. We are not publishing his full name. This is a lookback at 5 Minutes On - the secret fan.

Image Credit: ±«Óãtv News

Release date:

Available now

8 minutes