Watford have cancelled a proposed friendly against the Qatar national side following complaints from supporter groups concerned about the country’s human rights record.

In a statement released Monday, Watford confirmed the friendly against Qatar would no longer be going ahead.

“The game was never finalised, and it became abundantly clear this was a game not to play. As such, the schedule was revised,” a club spokesperson said.

A joint statement by Proud Hornets and Women of Watford added, “We are delighted that Watford FC have listened to our concerns and cancelled the game with Qatar.

“We look forward to continuing our discussions with the club on all equality, diversity and inclusion issues.”

The championship side, who were relegated from the Premier League in May, had planned a friendly against Qatar during a pre-season training camp in Austria next week.

However, news of the match was greeted with anger by fan groups the Proud Hornets and Women of Watford FC.

The groups said they were “disappointed” by the decision due to Qatar’s condemned views on homosexuality, human rights and women’s rights.

Qatar has also been criticised for its treatment of migrant workers building stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar will stage the FIFA World Cup from November 21 to December 18 this year.

(dpa/NAN)