Despite receiving a green signal in the past, police in Qatar has reportedly decided to ban all rainbow flags ahead of the upcoming World Cup matches.

The decision was announced recently by the country’s leading security chief who spoke about how so many fans were in danger of being attacked if the strict measures weren’t implemented.

The Middle Eastern and Gulf regions aren’t too accustomed to seeing LGBT individuals or couples and that’s why the country says it’s being left with no other option than to do this.

Previously, both organizers from FIFA and the World Cup stated that rainbow flags that were a true representation of the LGBTQ community would be allowed. But this sudden decision to ban the flags has shocked so many people.

The country says it is welcoming all fans, be it LGBTQ or not as well as couples to come forward and attend the upcoming games. But anyone displaying the traditional rainbow flag would have it confiscated by the Qatari police who would be on alert.

While speaking to the Associated Press in regards to the controversial decision, the country’s security chief revealed how any fan having the flag confiscated should not assume that they are being opposed. Instead, they should take it on a positive note and understand that it is being done to prevent them from being attacked.

But in addition to that, he did speak a few words that were controversial, to say the least, and these included: “If you are in search of promoting your LGBTQ situation in front of the world, then do it in a society where it is accepted!”

Just this week, FIFA’s president announced to fans how the world would witness that everyone is welcome in Qatar for the games, including those belonging to the LGBTQ community.