Sport minister Stuart Andrew wears OneLove armband to England v Wales World Cup game

The UK's sport minister wore a OneLove armband and a rainbow tie while watching England beat Wales at the World Cup in Qatar.

Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for Pudsey in West Yorkshire, who is openly gay, told ITV News he would be sporting the armband to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ fans.

Before the game, he tweeted: "I’m wearing the #OneLove armband to support the LGBT community & send a positive message that everyone should feel welcome at all sport tournaments."

The wearing of the armband, and gestures in support of other minority groups, have been the source of much debate since the World Cup began amid controversy over Qatar's human rights record.

Mr Andrew said it was "really unfair" that football's governing body prevented the captains of England and Wales wearing the armband at the 11th hour.

England captain Harry Kane had been due to wear an armband for his side's opening game against Iran, in a gesture designed to promote diversity and inclusion in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are outlawed.

But the decision was reversed at the last minute after governing body FIFA threatened to impose sporting sanctions.

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