Taproom justifies decision not to show World Cup

Wiper and True has made the decision to not show the World Cup this year at its taproom in Old Market.

Instead it will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through the way it knows best, beer.

The brewery and taproom  has released a beer called “Football For Good”, as a response to the controversy surrounding this year’s World Cup, which is being played in Qatar amid allegations directed at the state of major human rights violations.

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In November, 100 per cent of the profits from the beer went towards Rainbow Laces, a Stonewall initiative that works to improve inclusion, access and visibility for LGBTQIA+ people in sport.

This has now been changed to Brigstowe, a Bristol based charity providing support to those living with or have been affected by HIV and other Long Term Health Conditions.

Speaking about the decision on Instagram, Wiper and True said the response had been overwhelmingly supportive.

“The response from both our drinkers and our trade customers has been amazing, and felt like a brilliant way to do something positive with our beers,” they said.

The brewery is also hosting a series of all-inclusive events across the world cup period, from beginner-friendly table football tournaments, to free pints for anyone attired in the colours of the rainbow.

The taproom will hold foosball tournaments every Friday evening, DJs playing queer anthems and a Drag Queen Bingo extravaganza on December 18.

“We wanted to use the same approach at our venues, and so instead of showing the Qatar World Cup matches we’re hosting a series of all-inclusive events that celebrate the wonderful diversity of our community, and offer a fabulous and fun alternative to watching the matches.”

“We’re creating a fun, safe space – for everybody to enjoy.”

This year’s World Cup is particularly controversial, as Qatar has come up against criticism for its human rights violations towards the LGBTQ+ community and its treatment of migrant workers during construction.

However, the World Cup could help a struggling hospitality industry by bringing in more customers, and some have found the decision of whether or not to show the tournament a difficult one to make.

The Plough in Easton released a statement on Instagram, after much deliberation as to where it stood on the matter.

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“2022 Men’s World Cup feels very different. It is increasingly hard to see football as a force for good on the world stage,” the statement read.

“The relationship between sports and oppressive regimes has always been fraught with controversy,” The Plough acknowledged.

“We don’t have the answers but have reached the conclusion to remain in the conversation and shine a light on all that we love in the game and to show solidarity with those impacted by Fifa’s shameful policies.

“We will be taking donations and raising awareness for the workers and families of workers who have died in Qatar, human rights orgz and LGBTQ+ humans in sports. We will match all donations raised!”

The pub collected £128 during the England vs Iran match and £118 during the Wales vs USA match, which they say they will match that and donate to Football vs Homophobia.

Main photo: Wiper and True Facebook

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