The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) football fans threw shoes and drink bottles at Qatar players after an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in the Asian Cup semi-finals.
The Qatari national anthem was also loudly booed by fans of the host nation in Abu Dhabi amid political tensions between the two Gulf monarchies.
Qatar has been boycotted by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and other Arab countries over its support for the Islamic political movement, the Muslim Brotherhood.
Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez told the BBC: “It wasn’t an easy situation.
“The players were aware there was going to be a lot of pressure but they managed their emotions quite well. I’m very proud of them.”
Boualem Khoukhi put Qatar in the lead with his eighth minute goal before Almoez Ali increased the lead in the first half with his eighth goal of the tournament.
Hassan Al-Haydos and Hamid Ismail made it 4-0 after the break as Qatar reached the Asian Cup final for the first time.
Sign up for regular updates straight to your inbox
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
They will play four-time winners Japan in the final on Friday 1 February.
Qatar will be hosting the 2022 World Cup football.
