As mixed and controversial reactions continue to pour in, especially from some sections of the European countries over this year’s World Cup, a former Super Eagles shot-stopper, Peterside Idah has thrown his weight behind the host country, Qatar on its ban on alcohol in stadiums.
A wave of backlash have been prompted by Qatar’s announcement of ban on sales of beer around the stadiums, publicity of LGBTQ.
Peterside reacting to this development on a television show, on Monday said that European countries and football fans, in general, must learn to respect other people’s cultures and customs.
“We should respect people’s traditions and culture.”
“When we hosted in South Africa, it was the same thing. They said lions would eat people; people would be robbed and heads will be cut off. They always have something to say. I just think they should calm down and let’s watch football,” he said.
The television pundit accused the West of painting Qatar badly because they are not hosting the tournament, recalling that they were similar fears about South Africa’s hosting of the competition in 2010.
Having traveled to several countries including Russia where the last edition of the World Cup was played, he argued that the fears about non-Western countries hosting the tournament are exaggerated.
“The Western world would always want to paint every other country wrong if they are not hosting,” the 47-year-old added. “You remember that Qatar beat the UK and US to host, so they are so bitter and angry!”
As far as he is concerned, fans who want to drink beer should do that after the games and respect the traditions of the host nation.
