Furious Qatari police seized a Brazilian state flag that resembled the LGBT rainbow symbol which is banned at the World Cup tournament.

The conservative guards appeared to have mistaken the flag of Pernambuco state from the South American country for the colorful gay rainbow. Homosexuality is illegal in the country - with anyone found guilty facing between three years in prison and the death penalty.

The officers - under orders not to allow LGBT paraphernalia - noticed the flag and were seen allegedly trying to confiscate the flag while supporters were leaving the Lusail Stadium in the city of Lusail in Qatar on November 22.

Footage shows Victor Pereira arguing with the authorities as they inspect the flag which prominently features a rainbow arc, along with a star, a sun, and a red cross.

Victor added that the police seized his phone when he tried to film the encounter.

He said: 'This guy wearing a white dress grabbed the flag, threw it on the ground and started stomping on it. I took my phone to record a video but he grabbed it from my hand and said he would only give it back if I deleted the video.

'Then an officer arrived and tried to intervene. He grabbed the phone from the other guy and ordered me to delete the video.'

Victor said only returned his device after scrubbing the video from it, he added.

Western media have reported that rainbow flags and other LGBTQ pride paraphernalia are being censored at the World Cup in the hardline Muslim country.

The alleged incidents come despite assurances from FIFA that visitors were 'welcome to express themselves' and 'welcome to express their love for their partners'.