During Ecuador’s World Cup opener against Qatar, fans could be heard chanting “We want beer.”
FIFA announced their decision to prohibit the sale of alcohol within stadiums and their perimeters during the tournament just 48 hours before kickoff.
Fans can still purchase alcoholic beverages in the fan zones, but they will no longer be able to do so while watching games inside the stadiums.
La hinchada #ECU ya tiene el primer hit del #FIFAWorldCup : “Queremos cerveza, queremos cerveza” pic.twitter.com/Pk91fYLug5
— Javier Lanza (@javierlanza) November 20, 2022
Given the lateness of the decision, supporters were outraged, and Ecuador fans quickly raised their voices in response to the news during their 2-0 victory over Qatar in the tournament opener.
Many sections of their fans could be heard chanting ‘Queremos cerveza,’ which translates to ‘We want beer,’ in a video posted by Javier Lanza on Twitter.
Despite having a goal ruled out via VAR in the match’s opening moments, the South Americans cruised to victory against the hosts on Sunday evening thanks to Enner Valencia’s brace.
Qatar never looked like scoring in the second half, with Sky News reporting that many home fans began to leave the stadium well before the final whistle.
It was a disappointing start for the hosts, who will now prepare to face Senegal and the Netherlands in their remaining Group A matches.