England band 'somehow even worse' as members 'paid to be spies at Qatar World Cup'

Posted Saturday, November 05, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Four members of England's band have reportedly joined a Qatari-funded scheme to spy on their fellow supporters during the World Cup and publicly promote the host nation in exchange for a free trip

England band 'somehow even worse' as members 'paid to be spies at Qatar World Cup'
The England band's John Hemmingham (Image: MDM)

Whether you love them or hate them, it'll be hard not to grimace when the England band starts up in Qatar later this month.

A bombshell new report claims the World Cup hosts have paid as many as 40 Three Lions supporters to 'spy' on their countrymen during the tournament and wax lyrical about how great Qatar is.

It says they have also been told to sing certain songs when required and report any negative social media posts about the gulf state. In return, it is believed these fans will be handed free flights and accommodation, as well as £60-a-day pocket money.

According to The Times, four members of England's iconic brass band have agreed to the espionage, including leader and chief trumpeter John Hemmingham.

Reacting to the news on social media, one fan joked "The England band have somehow become even worse," while a second quipped: "I’m hoping the contract obliges the England band to play silently as a mark of respect to all of humanity." A third remarked: "I didn't think I could loathe the England band more than I already did."

The FA have denied any involvement in the scheme, while Hemmingham insists he was approached for it after he spent £10,000 on hotels and says he accepted the freebie flight in order to make it out for the tournament curtain-raiser between Qatar and Ecuador.

England band 'somehow even worse' as members 'paid to be spies at Qatar World Cup'
John Hemmingham an England fan and member of the England band during an England Fans Euro 2012 Forum at Wembley Stadium (Image: Phil Cole - The FA)

"The fans are under no obligation to do anything at all as part of being involved," Hemmingham told The Telegraph. "No spying, no biased interviews, no appearances, nothing. Nobody is being forced to do anything or report on anything."

According to the Times, everyone who has signed up for the scheme is guaranteed a ticket to the opening ceremony but must stay in the country for at least two weeks. They will be sat in groups and told to sing at appropriate times for the TV cameras.

England band 'somehow even worse' as members 'paid to be spies at Qatar World Cup'
Watch your back England fans... there's spies out there! (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

A leaked document sent to fan leaders reads: "In celebration of the fans around the world, over the period of five minutes, fan chants from each nation will be played and you will be expected to stand up, sing the song/chant, wave your flags and represent your country.

"The camera will focus on each national fan group in turn. We will share with you the chant/song selected from your country to ensure you are familiar with it."

In bold letters, the document adds: "Be ready in your shirt, flags, and scarves to cheer and shout."