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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Amy Denman & Victoria Johns

Love Island's Adam Collard slams celebs 'making money' from controversial Qatar World Cup

Love Island's Adam Collard has slammed celebs for 'making money' from the controversial World Cup in Qatar.

The tournament has attracted a lot of controversy surrounding the country's stance on human rights.

Qatar has clamped down on LGBTQ+ supporters wearing rainbow hats as it enforces its strict anti-gay laws.

Meanwhile, the England team didn't wear the One Love armband for its opening match against Iran after FIFA threatened bookings.

The country has also been slammed for its health and safety standards after hundreds of workers are said to have lost their lives while building the stadiums.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam, 26, revealed he was asked to go to Qatar, but turned down the invitation.

Adam Collard revealed he turned down the chance to go to Qatar (instagram.com/adamcollard)
The Love Islander has slammed celebs and pundits for going to the tournament (ITV)

"I normally watch as many games as I can when it comes to the World Cup so I was ecstatic when I got invited by a big brand to go out to Qatar and watch a couple games," he said.

"One of the games is Wales v England and the other was Australia v Denmark.

"At first I couldn’t believe my luck but, to be honest, I couldn’t accept the trip so I won’t be going. My mates have said: 'Why don’t you just go over and wear a rainbow shirt and make a statement when there'. But I don’t think it’s right to go to another country and tell them how they should be treating people, no matter how much I disagree with what they do. I’d just rather not be there at all."

Adam says he doesn't agree with what's happening in Qatar regarding human rights (Instagram)

Adam may have turned down his invitation, but many celebs and pundits have made the journey to the Middle Eastern country, which the reality star says is questionable.

"I’m still hoping England will go as far as we can but I wouldn’t feel right going to Qatar and supporting the World Cup when I don’t agree with what’s going on over there and the lives lost to build the stadiums," he said.

"If people wanna go out and watch the World Cup that’s up to them. But I think it’s really ridiculous of some of the pundits and famous faces going over there and making money off it but then saying how bad it is and how they stand against the Qataris.

"Why bother going in the first place? Just stay at home and present from here if you feel that strongly about it."

Joe Lycett slammed David Beckham for going to the tournament (TWITTER/@joelycett)

Adam is not alone in his opinion as comic Joe Lycett appeared to shred £10,000 of his own money after David Beckham rocked up in Qatar as an ambassador.

Joe asked the former footballer to change his mind, but after his plea fell on deaf ears, the comic videoed himself on a Twitch stream, wearing a rainbow-layered tulle outfit and placed wads of what appeared to be cash into an industrial shredder.

Fans initially slammed the comedian for wasting the cash, however on Monday (Nov 20), Joe confirmed he hadn't shredded real money and in fact donated the funds to LGBTQ+ charities.

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