The Key Club reverses decision to show World Cup games due to ‘ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues’ of the host city
The Key Club has decided to cancel showings of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, citing the ‘ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues’ in the host city as the reason for the removal of the events from its schedule.
The popular event space and music venue was due to show England games for the World Cup but made the decision yesterday to remove this as an option.
Releasing a statement on Facebook, The Key Club have said that:
“We have decided to cancel the upcoming England matches which we had planned to show at The Key Club.
“We wanted to create a safe space where people felt comfortable to watch the football, however, after careful deliberation and upon further research, we now understand it is best to cancel the upcoming events in response to the ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues surrounding the host nation.
“The Key Club is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space and so we hope you all stand by our decision.
“As an additional mark of our support, we will be collecting donations for LGBTQ+ charities at upcoming events at The Key Club.
Adding that “Whilst we won’t be showing the matches, we wish England the very best of luck!”, the Facebook post has received overwhelmingly positive comments on the venue’s decision to support the LGBTQ+ community and continue to offer a safe space for all.
“So much respect for this, it means so much to our community, that you take that stand and let us know we matter. I hope more business follow. We appreciate you.” was just one of the positive comments left, whilst others shared rainbow heart emojis and likes on the update.
The Key Club isn’t the only Leeds-based business to reverse the decision to show the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The Mustard Pot in Chapel Allerton also issued a statement yesterday, stating that “I made the wrong decision to show the World Cup and I am sorry” with all tickets refunded and an apology “to anyone we offended by announcing we would be showing it”.
Read More: Gareth Southgate advises England players not to use social media
The 2022 Qatar World Cup kicks off this weekend, with the first England game due to be played on Monday 21 November 2022.
Feature Image- The Key Club