A man carrying a rainbow flag invades the field during a FIFA World Cup game

On Monday, a guy onto the field of play during a game at the Qatar World Cup while holding a rainbow flag and sporting a T-shirt with the words "Respect for Iranian Women" on the back.

On Monday, a guy onto the field of play during a game at the Qatar World Cup while holding a rainbow flag and sporting a T-shirt with the words "Respect for Iranian Women" on the back. During the second half of the Portugal vs. Uruguay game, the guy remained on the field for around 30 seconds before being tackled and carried away by security. In allusion to the country's war-torn history, he also wore a T-shirt with the words "Save Ukraine" on the front.

"We are aware of the events surrounding this World Cup... "

According to Portugal player Ruben Neves, it's common for things like this to occur.

Naturally, we are all on their side as well. Iran, with Iranian ladies, too. We understand the boy's message, and I think the rest of the world does too, so I hope nothing awful happens to him.

The protester was identified as Mario Ferri by the Italian news organisation AGI.

He has carried out similar demonstrations in the past, most notably at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he brought up the subject of underprivileged children.

In Qatar, where homosexuality is prohibited, there have been simmering conflicts around gay rights and the use of the rainbow flag.

In an effort to promote diversity, the leaders of seven European teams had intended to wear anti-discrimination armbands with rainbow themes while competing.

However, they backed down in response to the possibility of FIFA sanctions, which might have included receiving a yellow card.

When he attends Tuesday's match between England and Wales, Stuart Andrew, the sports minister of Britain, will don the armband.

Last week, while watching Germany's shocking 2-1 loss to Japan, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser donned the "One Love" armband while seated close to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Earlier in the event, spectators expressed their displeasure after being instructed to take off any clothes that included a rainbow.