U.S. Muslim football fans 'detained for praying'

Several U.S. Muslim football fans said they were unfairly detained by stadium security staff and the FBI after they were seen praying at the Giants Stadium during a match in September.

Five Muslim fans who attended the New York Giants-New Orleans Saints game at the Meadowlands on Sept. 19 were dragged from their seats and questioned by security personnel after other fans saw them praying, Sohail Mohammed, a lawyer for one of the men, said Tuesday.

Soon after walking through the gates, the men found an open space and began to pray during the first quarter, said one of the men, who asked not to be named because he fears harassment.

Other fans apparently told security personnel, who followed the men to their seats and asked them to come with them during the third quarter.

The men plan to tell their experience at a news conference in New York to improve the understanding of Islam as well as the religious practices of Muslims.

"This is a classic example of "If you want to pray, you'll have to pay,' " Mohammed said. "These folks were exercising their fundamental right to practice their faith, and they wanted to enjoy, as Americans, their favorite sport."