“If you do it for a good cause, is never a crime”- FIFA World Cup pitch invader defends his actions during Portugal v Uruguay clash
Follow Us
Mario Ferri
The World Cup protester who entered the field while waving a rainbow flag, Mario Ferri has given his side of the story. Ferri, an amateur player from Italy, ran onto the field with the LGBTQ+ flag during Portugal’s victory over Uruguay. Additionally, he was sporting a t-shirt with the slogans “Save Ukraine” and “Respect Iranian Women” on it.
Given the regulations in Qatar, there were worries about Ferri’s safety after his demonstration. However, he has utilized social media to both affirm his safety and provide an explanation for why he did it. Ferri is a well-known activist who goes by the moniker “The Falcon.”
Ferri wrote on Instagram: “Thanks for all the messages of love coming to me from the world, Iran, and Ukraine, Breaking the rules, if you do it for a good cause, is never a crime.”
Also Read: La Liga demands immediate sanctions on Juventus after board of direction’s’ resignation
Who is Mario Ferri, the one who invaded the field at 2022 FIFA World Cup?
The 35-year-old Italian has legitimate prior experience playing on football fields. He has played football for the past nine years, most recently under contract with United Sports Club in India’s second tier. After the league was suspended in March owing to a Covid epidemic, he has since returned to his hometown of Pescara.
However, the activist’s on-field protests have made him more well-known than his footballing prowess. Ferri has stormed pitches before to make a point Monday’s invasion is by no means the first. In 2009, he ran onto a pitch for the first time.
However, it was not for political reasons. He intervened on the field during an Italy vs. Netherlands match, pleading with Marcello Lippi, the Azzurri manager, to send Antonio Cassano to the World Cup in South Africa the following year. Ferri onto the field during the Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi in 2010 carrying a sign that read, “Free Sakineh.”
Ferri has been a driving influence behind efforts to aid Ukraine in its ongoing struggle with Russia away from the field and football in general. He made the decision to go to Ukraine from his hometown in eastern Italy on his own initiative to help people flee the now-conflict-torn nation.
With his stunt during the 2022 World Cup being the most recent of many, Ferri seems to be never far from controversy. Ferri has thankfully already been let go, but he won’t be permitted to watch any more games in the tournament. He probably won’t want to, anyway. He has already made his point and sparked conversation around the globe.
Stay Updated!
Ujan Chakraborty
(1240 Articles Published)