Qatar draft in hundreds of role-play actors for a World Cup dummy run in a bid to work out how to cope with huge crowds – and British police send 22 officers to stress the need to use force as a last resort
- Qatar have sought outside help to deal with fans from 32 World Cup nations
- ‘Hundreds of role-players’ enacted the part of fans in a ‘scenario planning’ event
- The Gulf state has no experience of handling large groups of football supporters
- Britain will not be providing Qatar with officers but will look to send ‘spotters’
Qatar drafted in hundreds of role-play actors to be football fans in a bid to work out how to cope with huge World Cup crowds.
British police sent 22 officers to the exercise.
Qatar have sought outside help to deal with the influx of fans from 32 World Cup nations.
Qatar have sought outside help as they prepare to deal with the influx of fans for the World Cup
One witness described ‘hundreds of role-players’ enacting the part of fans at last week’s ‘scenario planning’ event in Doha.
The tiny Gulf state has no experience of handling large groups of football supporters and the absence of alcohol adds to this being an alien experience.
British police impressed on the Qataris the need for a ‘graded response’ to any escalating situation. They say engage with fans and use force as a last resort.
But a number of other countries with a less tolerant approach were present. Their approach may be more familiar to officials in Qatar, where discipline is expected.
Britain will not be providing Qatar with officers but will look to send ‘spotters’ who have the ear of the local police, can act as cultural interpreters and will step into any potential flashpoint.
Qataris are thought to be preparing to fly in stewards to help handle the numbers.