Croatian super fan and model Ivana Knoll said the security of the stadium prevented fans from taking photos with her before Croatia's quarter-final against Brazil on November 9.
They didnt allow fans to take photos with me or let me pose for photos on the railing here. I wonder why they have to act like that, Knoll told Bild about the incident at Education City Stadium. In the pre-match photos, Knoll appeared nervous when talking to security guards in the stands.
Knoll attracted attention in World Cup matches in red and white carols, sticking a heart sticker on his chest to support Croatia.
Despite the uproar, Knoll has been called by the media as the "hottest supporter" of the World Cup. "It's really great. No one told me to wear it under the covers, Knoll said. Everyone wants to take photos with me, including locals.
In fact, on social networks Knoll received many mixed opinions. "To be respected, respect the culture of another country. It's as simple as that," one person commented in Knoll's December 9 article.
"You just do this to be famous, what you say shows that. I thought she was a football lover, but it turned out to be just a trick that attracted attention," another person wrote.
"She is disregarding their culture to attract attention and increase followers," one account expressed.
According to the host country's tourism agency, tourists coming to Qatar must show "respect for local culture by avoiding dressing too revealingly in public places", and recommend that both men and women should wear ao dai to cover their knees and shirts or scarves.
