The Shawshank Redemption star narrated an opening segment of 'The Calling' at Doha's Al-Bayt Stadium, where he told the audience, “We gather here as one big tribe and Earth is the tent we all live in. Football spans the world, unites nations in their love of the beautiful game. What brings together nations also brings together communities. We all have a story on football and how it brought us together and this land has a story of its very own".
Morgan Freeman also spoke to Ghanin al Muftah, a 20 year old Qatari influencer and World Cup ambassador. al Muftah also suffers with Caudal Regression Syndrome which impairs developement of the lower part of the body.
However, Freeman's appearance at the event has been met with strong opposition, with some people labelling him as a "sell out".
“Hope the qatari blood money was worth you selling out for Shameful", another added.
Another viewer wrote, “For a man who played Nelson Mandela – who knew better than anyone the impact & importance of isolation on a country & its success on the ground to change that nation’s policy – it is so disappointing to see #MorganFreeman take the money & support an oppressive regime".
Some people did come to Freeman's defence by praising his speech, “Morgan Freeman’s skit at the World Cup opening ceremony has a rare sense of DEPTH. Beyond his blessing of a great voice, is the TRUTH in his message. ‘What unites us here in this moment is so much greater than what divides us’. If only we abided by this!!!".
Another added, “I just read the full narration Morgan Freeman gave at the opening and I must say it is Captivating, the world needs to listen!”.
World Cup organisers have been heavily criticised over issues regarding Qatar's views on homosexuality, along with the deaths of mirgrant workers in the building of stadiums.
