sport news Watford come under fire from LGBT+ fan groups after they announce friendly with ... trends now Watford come under fire from LGBT+ fan groups after Hornets announce friendly with Qatar national side - with decision to hold exhibition match labelled 'very disappointing', given country's views on homosexuality, human rights and women's rights Watford have been criticised after agreeing a friendly vs Qatar's national side The Championship side will face the nation set to host the World Cup in 2022 Qatar has dubious views on homosexuality, human rights and women's rights LGBT+ fan groups have labelled the decision to play Qatar 'very disappointing' Click here for all the latest World Cup 2022 news and updates By Max Mathews For Mailonline Published: 14:45 BST, 26 June 2022 | Updated: 14:45 BST, 26 June 2022 Viewcomments Watford have been criticised after agreeing to play a friendly against Qatar's national side. The Arabian country, set to host this year's World Cup in November and December, has questionable views on homosexuality, human rights and women's rights. In that context, LGBT+ fan groups have labelled the decision to face Qatar 'very disappointing'. Watford have been criticised for arranging a friendly against Qatar's national side (pictured) WOW and @ProudHornets are very disappointed that Watford FC will play the Qatar national team at its training camp. We urge our team to display its support for all human rights, the LGBT+ community and women’s rights at the game, and will discuss this directly with the club. https://t.co/TF1f6Gu41T — Women Of Watford FC (@WOWatfordFC) June 24, 2022 The Hornets, relegated from the Premier League last season, will face the Qataris in July during a pre-season training camp in Austria ahead of the 2022-23 Championship campaign. And representatives from Watford women's fans group and their LGBT+ fans' group have blasted the club for arranging the game. A joint statement read: 'Women of Watford (WOW) and Proud Hornets are very disappointed that Watford FC will play the Qatar national team at its training camp. The Championship side's decision was labelled 'very disappointing' by LGBT+ fan groups 'We urge our team to display its support for all human rights, the LGBT+ community & women's rights at the game and will discuss this directly with the club.' The Hornets, under new manager Rob Edwards, who arrived this summer from Forest Green after Roy Hodgson left the club, begin their season at Vicarage Road against Sheffield United on August 1. Qatar, who won the right to host the World Cup in contentious circumstances, have qualified automatically for the competition as hosts and will face Holland, Senegal and Ecuador at the group stage. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility