Man with rainbow flag invades pitch during World Cup match

The man was on the field for about 30 seconds during the second half of the game between Portugal and Uruguay before being tackled and escorted off by security.

He also had the words "Save Ukraine" on the front of his T-shirt, in reference to the war-torn nation.

"We know what has happened around this World Cup... It's a normal thing to happen," said Portugal player Ruben Neves.

"Of course, we are all with them as well. With Iran as well, with the Iranian women. So I hope it doesn't happen, anything to the boy, because we understand his message, and I think all the world understands it as well."

The protestor was identified as Italian Mario Ferri by Italian press agency AGI.

He has staged similar protests before, including at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he raised the issue of children living in poverty.

Gay rights and the use of the rainbow flag have been a simmering issue at the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

Captains of seven European teams had planned to wear rainbow-themed anti-discrimination armbands during the tournament as part of a campaign for diversity.

But they backed down over the threat of disciplinary action from football's governing body FIFA, including yellow cards.

Britain's sports minister Stuart Andrew will wear the armband when he attends England's clash with Wales on Tuesday.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wore the "OneLove" armband last week while sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino for Germany's shock 2-1 defeat by Japan.

Fans complained earlier in the tournament that they had been told to remove items of clothing with the rainbow on them.

- White House reaction -

Monday's on-pitch protest was addressed by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, speaking on the eve of a politically charged match between the USA and Iran in Qatar.

ALSO READ: