Arrest without a cause

A British supporter was arrested in United Arab Emirates for wearing a Qatar shirt. On 22 January Ali Issa Ahmad purchased an Asian Cup ticket for the last 16 game to watch his favorite team and Iraq. During the duel, the 26-year-old was detained by security officials and later beaten. Now, the unfortunate fan may face up to 15 years in prison just for promoting their greatest 'enemy' Qatar.
This news was reported yesterday in the media, by saying that the recent Asian Cup hosts and the title winners have cut their diplomatic relations due to disagreement in politics. If this stupid cause is indeed the case, then how come all 23 players wore their shirts freely for almost a month throughout the United Arab Emirates venues or this rule (advertising their country) cannot be applied to them?