A Blackburn Rovers fan has said he is "sick of people constantly moaning" about what he has called a ‘great’ World Cup so far

Paul Clegg, who hails from Audley, Blackburn, arrived in Qatar on Saturday to experience the 2022 FIFA World Cup atmosphere and take in some of the matches.

He was at the England game against Iran on Monday, which the Three Lions won 6-2, and has been mixing with people from all over the world.

He said he had been welcomed wherever he went and slammed those who wanted only to report on the negatives.

FIFA and Qatar as a nation have come under heavy criticism for the World Cup being hosted in the Arabian nation, after thousands of migrant workers died during the building of the stadiums, accusations of bribery around it being awarded the tournament, the country's stance on LGBTQ+ people and criticisms the World Cup is being used for sportswashing purposes.

Paul said: “It is now time to stop the criticism and get behind the country.

“I'm sick of hearing people slate this World Cup from the comfort of their armchairs back home.

“All the media outlets are the same, even some people on the Rovers fan site.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

During his trip to Qatar, Paul bumped into some Saudia Arabia fans - another country with a poor human rights record that has been accused of sportswashing - after their historic win over Argentina.

He was also in the terraces for England's opening win over Iran, and has taken time to check out a giant World Cup statue during his visit, proudly flying his England/Blackburn Rovers flag throughout.

He also bumped into some fans who had travelled thousands of miles from Brazil (below) in Qatar as thousands of people from all over the globe descended on the small nation for the tournament.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Paul works at Graham and Brown and has been a Rovers fan for 48 years, and is at his fourth World Cup cheering on England.

He said issues and prices over alcohol were the same in other nations but little was being reported about that.

He said: "As for the alcohol, you try open a can of beer outside any ground in England and see we're it gets you, any ground. 

“It is a class thing nothing more. If I had a £20,000 box over here, I can drink as much as I like.

“I'm on category 3 tickets at £52 so I can't.

“That applies at Wembley Stadium; as for the price of a beer, in the fan zone its £12 for a beer in Paris. No one says anything about that.

“I'm here alone so rely on the locals to keep me safe and welcomed, and that's exactly what they've done.

“That's what the World Cup is about; people, supporters, the man in the street, not the corporate fat cats in their high end hotels.

“So, let's get behind the country today, drop all the negative vibes and enjoy the beautiful game. Because football is in the blood, not in the pocket.”

He has posted a photo of himself enjoying a beer in a bar and posted pictures of himself alongside fans from Saudi Arabia and Brazil on social media.

He is due to head on to watch England play USA on Friday, where a win will see England qualify for the knock out stages.

Paul added: “All World Cups are amazing. The transport here is superb and free, the people are lovely and friendly, the stadiums are amazing and I'm really enjoying it.

“The accommodation on FIFA’s website is too pricey for me, so I'm staying on a compound I found on Host a Fan; it’s not luxury but it'll do!”