Huge brawl breaks out between UAE fans and Qatar players after goal in World Cup qualifier | Viral video

Qatar’s 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday night, which confirmed their place in the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time, was marred by ugly scenes both on and off the pitch, the Metro reported. The game, played amid high tension, descended into chaos after Qatar’s Boualem Khouki opened the scoring in the 49th minute. As he celebrated near the UAE fans, plastic bottles, cups and even sandals were thrown at him and his teammates. When Pedro Miguel doubled the lead soon after, he also ran towards the UAE fans, causing further anger. The situation escalated when a match photographer appeared to throw his shoe at a player and became involved in a scuffle. Watch the video here: Several fans breached barriers and stormed onto the field, forcing security personnel to intervene. The melee involved both sets of players, substitutes and fans, while Qatari fans were also seen throwing objects once play resumed. The UAE, who now face a crucial two-legged clash against Iraq followed by an intercontinental play-off to keep their World Cup hopes alive, could face sanctions after the violent scenes. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui, formerly with West Ham and Wolves, condemned the clashes. “We have to avoid this kind of situation. These are dangerous things. Football is a sport that should unite people, not divide them,” he said after the match. UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu admitted that the incident involved both sides. “It wasn’t right, but what can we do?” he remarked. Qatar’s win sealed their qualification but the dramatic aftermath overshadowed the performance, with governing bodies expected to review the incidents.