World Cup viewers don’t think they can see any women in the opening game crowd

'Can anyone see any women in the crowd?'

World Cup viewers all wondered the same thing about the opening game crowd. Where were the female football fans? As Qatar took on Ecuador on Sunday, amid widespread criticism of the host nation over the lack of inclusivity and equal gender rights, sports fans on social media pointed out there was a real "lack of women" in the crowd. "There's no women in the crowd," one fan wrote on social media as someone else questioned: "Spot the women in the crowd, are they even allowed to attend???" A third person wrote: "There aren’t many women in that crowd. Just saying." "Good to see all the women in the crowd," a fourth sarcastically noted, while another added: "So weird seeing a football crowd with no women in it." https://twitter.com/glove_island/status/1594355803724558338 https://twitter.com/Claire_m75/status/1594387519214428160 https://twitter.com/Joeytweeting/status/1594371421714661377 Ahead of the BBC broadcast of the game, Gary Lineker gave a powerful opening monologue live from the Al Bayt stadium in Doha, saying: “It’s the most controversial World Cup in history, and a ball has not yet been kicked. “Ever since Fifa chose Qatar back in 2010, the smallest nation to have hosted football’s greatest competition has faced some big questions. “From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums, where many lost their lives. “Homosexuality is illegal here [in Qatar]. Women’s rights and freedom of expression are in the spotlight. “Also, the decision six years ago to switch the tournament from summer to winter. Against that backdrop, there’s a tournament to be played. “One that will be watched and enjoyed around the world. Stick to football, said Fifa. Well we will, for a couple of minutes at least.” Qatar was beaten 2-0 by Ecuador, failing to muster a shot on target in the entire contest to become the first host side in the tournament's history to lose their opening game. The end result may not have been seen by a lot of the fans though, as thousands appeared to leave the stadium at half time. Qatar now face a battle to get out of Group A and still have to face The Netherlands and Senegal in their remaining fixtures. Their next game is against Senegal, who will be without Sadio Mané after he withdrew through injury, on Thursday at the Al Thumama Stadium. Related links:

• Thousands of Qatar fans leave stadium at half-time of World Cup opener
• Gareth Southgate confirms England will take the knee before Iran game
• Qatar saved by questionable VAR call in opening minutes of World Cup opener
• Harry Kane to defy FIFA and wear One Love armband in World Cup opening against Iran