THE grinning Qatari fans who were caught snapping pics of former Miss Croatia Ivana Knoll actually wanted to report her racy outfit, a local has claimed.
The 30-year-old model dubbed the World Cup’s hottest fan”, turned some heads during Croatia’s game with Morocco where she showed up in another sexy outfit- a red checked bikini top and leggings.
Posting on Instagram after the match, she a photo of the men checking her out and snapping photos with the caption: “1000000 followers, thank you so much for your support. Love you all!”
And while her followers quickly pointed out the cheeky actions of the men in the photos, a local entrepreneur has claimed the men were actually photographing Ivana’s outfit to report it.
Taking to Twitter Qatari Mohammed Hassan Al-Jefairi, said in response to the picture: “Just for your info they take a photo not because they like her but because they don’t like the way she is mis-dressed on regards to our culture.
“You can confirm this with any local Qatari Probably to report it.”
His explanation however has not convinced Twitter users who begged to differ.
One said: “No offense meant, sir, but your justification is funny.
“Their facial expressions, body language, and how they hold the phone all give away their intentions rather clearly.
“You’ve got to admit that Qatari men are not infallible saying this as a Qatari by the way.
German-born model and designer Ivana has been pictured cheering on Croatia wearing a range of revealing outfits.
Despite Qatar’s strict modesty laws, the stunning brunette says she isn’t worried about being arrested.
She said: “I was never afraid to be arrested to be what I am, and I don’t think I can hurt someone wearing a bikini.
“And if that deserves to be arrested, then arrest me.”
Even though she has received abuse online from trolls warning her to respect the cultural code of Qatar, she is determined to continue wearing her racy outfits and says locals actually love it.
“First I was thinking if the World Cup is happening there (Qatar), for sure they will allow us everything to make it comfortable for all fans without any of the restrictions,” she said.
She added: “The locals confirmed to me that I can wear whatever I want.
“But I didn’t know that my video in a bikini walking by the sea would be such a big deal.
“The whole country is speaking about it. Everybody knows me here, and I saw that I was accepted.”
