Qatar TV mock Germany's team photo with mouths covered

It’s one thing to criticize Germany for crashing out of the World Cup, but when Qatar TV mock Germany, it’s a step too far for the Qataris.

Hosts of a Qatari television show were seen mocking Germany’s exit on Thursday. The presenters all covered their mouths and waved goodbye to the Germans following their 4-2 win against Costa Rica.

Despite the victory, Germany crashed out of the tournament after finishing third in Group E. Spain and Germany, the two powerhouses of the group, both completed the stage with four points. However, Spain advanced to the knockout phase based on a significantly better goal difference.

Qatar TV mock Germany live on television

Germany’s team photo protested FIFA’s odd reversal

The world’s governing body of the sport reneged on allowing OneLove armbands only hours before the games began. OneLove is a program that promotes diversity and inclusion. Germany, and a host of other participating countries, were less than thrilled on the decision.

Following the gesture, the German Football Association explained the reason for the photo. “It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable,” read the statement. “That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us. Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”

Germany previously protested FIFA and the World Cup in Qatar prior to their opening match of the tournament. The 11th-ranked team in the world posed for the team photo with every player covering their mouth as if they were being silenced. Japan went on to beat Germany 2-1 in the game.

German fans also mocked inside stadium

Another clip from inside Al Bayt Stadium showed Germany fans being mocked with photos of Mesut Ozil. The former German international quit the team in 2018 due to claims of racism and disrespect within the German Football Association.

The disappointing display from Germany was the second consecutive World Cup that the team failed to reach the knockout round. They were also bounced from the group stage during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.