Shirt hits the fan: 18-stone England superfan ‘Tango’ who always strips topless to cheer on the Three Lions is ordered to put his top back on by Qatar officials during win over Wales
An England fan famous for watching games with his shirt off was ordered to put his top back on by a Qatari official during last night’s World Cup win over Wales.
England fans were in celebratory mood with the Three Lions comfortably leading Wales in the second half, when Paul Gregory whipped off his top at Qatar’s Ahmad bin Ali Stadium last night.
But the 18-stone superfan’s joy was short-lived with the 59-year-old, known affectionately as Tango Man, soon spotted by security officials who ordered him to cover up.
Paul Gregory, known as Tango Man, was ordered to put his top back on by a Qatari official during the match against Wales after getting over-excited
The England fan had promised to keep his top on during games after Qatar issued a warning against topless football fans, but Tango seems to have forgotten about the rule in all the excitement
A security official working at the stadium spotted Tango and ordered him to put his shirt back on, letting the wind out of his sails
Tango had previously said the Qatar 2022 World Cup would be the best ever, but it’s not clear whether being forced to watch the games with his shirt on has changed his mind
Photos show an ecstatic Tango raising his arms aloft and cheering as goals from Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford ensured England’s progress into the next round.
But moments later a security guard in a bright yellow bid had appeared by his side to enforce Qatar’s stadium rules.
Tango dutifully reached for his shirt and covered up his tattooed torso.
The Sheffield Wednesday fanatic had previously said the Qatar 2022 World Cup would be the best ever, despite the doubters, but it’s not clear whether being forced to watch the games with his shirt on has changed his mind.
The England fan had promised to keep his top on during the games after Qatar issued a warning against topless football fans, but Tango seems to have forgotten about the rule in all the excitement.
He’s become something of a local talisman for the England team, with photos of Tango appearing in the crowd right before Harry Kane launches goals into the net.
Paul has become something of a local talisman for the England team, with photos of Tango appearing in the crowd right before Harry Kane launches goals into the net
Paul and his girlfriend Rachel, 51, a lorry driver from Barnsley, don’t get to concerts or the pub so they have enough to follow England around the world
Paul, a father of two, first travelled to watch England at the World Cup in Spain in 1982 and says he’s never caused any trouble at any of the games.
Initially saying he was ‘gutted’ about the shirtless ruling, he still promised fellow fans the 2022 World Cup would be the best one yet.
He put aside £100-a-month for three years to save up the cash to afford the tickets, which cost him £1308.
His one-way flight, booked in April, was £600, and a shared apartment for 10 days to cover the group stages is £200-a-night.
Paul and his girlfriend Rachel, 51, a lorry driver from Barnsley, don’t get to concerts or the pub so they have enough to follow England around the world.
Paul, a Sheffield Wednesday fan, travelled to watch England at the World Cup in Spain in 1982. Everyone supported different clubs but England fans all game together, he said, fondly remembering the event.
He was dubbed ‘Tango’ more than 30 years ago during while watching Sheffield Wednesday play Crystal Palace.
Paul is confident that this could be the World Cup when England emerge triumphant.
Paul was dubbed ‘Tango’ more than 30 years ago during while watching Sheffield Wednesday play Crystal Palace
