Qatar World Cup: Pride Flag Waving Protester Released But Kicked Out Of Qatar After Pitch Invasion

The protestor who ran onto the pitch during Portugal’s match against Uruguay has been released from detention.

35-year-old, Mario Ferri was released after storming the pitch during Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay at the Qatar World Cup.

A former footballer himself, Ferri sprinted onto the field with a rainbow flag in protest over Qatar’s harsh rules on members of the LGBT community.

Sporting a Superman t-shirt with messages of support for both victims of the Ukraine war and Iranian women, Ferri was quickly chased and detained by security officials.

On Tuesday he told his Instagram followers he had been released by the Qatari authorities.

“So many emotions right now. No legal consequence I am free,” he posted on his Instagram stories.

“I wanted to send IMPORTANT messages for me that I have lived on my skin in the past months.”

In a statement, the Qatar World Cup Supreme Committee confirmed Mr Ferri was “released shortly after being removed from the pitch” and “his embassy informed”.

They added: “His Hayya Card has been cancelled and he has been banned from attending future matches at this tournament.”

He will not face any further punishment.