How the Emirati crowd turned against Qatari footballers

As Qatar beat its political rival UAE at the Asian Cup semi-final, Emirati fans hurled shoes at the winning team and stormed the pitch.

Qatar's Hasan al Haydos in action with Ismail Ahmed of the United Arab Emirates during the AFC Asian Cup, in Doha, Qatar, January 29, 2019.
Reuters

Qatar's Hasan al Haydos in action with Ismail Ahmed of the United Arab Emirates during the AFC Asian Cup, in Doha, Qatar, January 29, 2019.

The political rivalry between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pervaded football too. On Sunday, the two Gulf countries competed for finals at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Qatar emerged triumphant handing a 4-0 defeat to their Emirati rivals. 

Because of the blockade imposed on Qatar by the Saudi-led bloc of Gulf nations, which includes the UAE, the match was shrouded in intense political tensions, which was clearly visible on and off the field. 

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Before the match, UAE fans booed during the national anthem of Qatar. 

Emiratis were eagerly anticipating the match as the diplomatic crisis between the nations continues. 

Reuters

Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, January 29, 2019.

The atmosphere got tenser as Qatar took the lead in the 22nd minute. 

After Almoez Ali scored a stunning goal, increasing Qatar's lead 2-0, the UAE fans threw slippers, bottles and shoes, onto the field as the Qatari football team celebrated.

Reuters

Qatar players celebrate after Hasan al Haydos scored their third goal as objects are thrown onto the pitch at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, January 29, 2019.

Reuters

Fans react in the stands at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 29, 2019.

Reuters

United Arab Emirates players look dejected after the match at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE. January 29, 2019.

Reuters

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez Bas shakes hands with United Arab Emirates coach Alberto Zaccheroni at the end of the match at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 29, 2019.

“I apologise to the fans for the result. We tried our best,” said UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni, whose contract came to an end with the defeat. 

“We kept trying, but we have to admit the Qatar team were the better team tonight.”

Reuters

Soccer fans watch the match between Qatar and United Arab Emirates during the AFC Asian Cup, in Doha, Qatar. January 29, 2019.

Qataris celebrated their win against the UAE. The victory also marks their first time in the Asian Cup final.

The AFC said to Al Jazeera that it is "conducting a thorough investigation into events at the Asian Cup UAE 2019 semi-final between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar."

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