I don't drink at all (I have already drunk several oceans during my younger years). This is just the latest World Cup BS by the Qataris, which began with their "*finessing" the selection process, proceeded to the disgraceful treatment of foreign workers and now an effective alcohol ban. Personally I think they planned to ban from the outset, but knew they would only be able to do this once it was too late for any other solution to be taken. Of course Platini & Blatter allowed it to happen and are also to blame. In the end the one who laughs last, laughs the longest. Qatar's regime hopes to improve their international image by hosting the World Cup; effectively sport washing their vile humanitarian abuses against women, gays, and pretty much anyone foreign (non Qatari ruling class). This ban -if nothing else- will ensure their goals are not met imo. I'm really sorry for the Qarai people who are held hostage by despotic rulers. *Finessing likely includes wholesale bribery to the tune of billions of dollars. At the official presentation event for all countries seeking the 2022 WC, Qatar offered to sponsor and pay all expenses for everyone attending. On the day of the event they announced that as they were the event sponsor, no other country would be allowed into the event to present their bid...
Me and my labourer sitting in the van having lunch, he turns to me and says “we finishing early on Monday kid”, I say why, to watch Englands first game comes the reply, I think about it for a couple of seconds, fuck off was the final answer. I am a football fan and go to every home game but this World Cup is just wrong, I was hoping that one country would say fuck off we ain’t going to Qatar. UTV
Let me get this right. FIFA, the most corrupt and morally bankrupt organisation on the planet has caved in to the Qatari royal family - one of the richest families on the planet. And both parties are keen to placate the world’s rich and privileged. I simply can’t imagine what in the universe could underly such a decision.
Imagine not standing up for what you supposedly believe in over the threat of a yellow card... World Cup 2022: England, Wales & other European nations will not wear OneLove armbands - BBC Sport Spineless and pathetic. But we knew that already.
A yellow can easily go to Red if a mistimed tackle occurs and then down to 10 men. The team must come 1st, otherwise pack the bags and come home. This is FIFA, not our players. Place the blame and criticism where it belongs. This is not on the players, who I will admit, have been doing what they can to support minorities. Of course it can be better but an avalanche starts with a small stone falling.
That's a bit harsh. None of the other teams participating will wear the armbands. I believe it is fair to say the England team have shown their support strongly when it comes to standing up for anti discrimination.
You either stand up for something or you dont, surely, especially when you have the biggest opportunity to stand your corner. This man wouldnt have walked away under the threat of a yellow card...
Thats because they are footballers. They are not activists nor politicians. Theyre guys who run around kicking a ball. Nelson wouldnt last 5mins on the pitch before being subbed. He wouldnt even make Scotlands reserves ffs.
I dont blame the players its the FA that have no backbone (or morals), we knew that already of course but its always nice to have your opinions validated isnt it. Anyway day three of no world cup for me and ive got a little behind on the sopranos already as i got distracted by bangers and cash repeats for a large part of yesterday.
Right where to start with this thread? Firstly, technically it’s actually the hardest group in the entire competition as it’s the only group with all four teams in the FIFA top 20 rankings, so make of that what you will. Secondly no one can defend the decision to put it there in the first place or Qatar’s current world view, but don’t lose sight of the fact that it wasn’t so long ago that these issues were also a key part of many European and world nations policies. Not in any way defending it as I say but there is at least an argument that sometimes change comes from within. Finally it’s the World Cup. I love all sports but there’s nothing like the men’s football World Cup to really stir the soul. They get my support (the team that is)
You’re absolutely correct the World Cup is the greatest sporting show on Earth but it feels grubby. Blatter the grubbiest of grubs has said so himself. If you want to take it to somewhere new take it down under to oz for eg It didn’t have to be this way. Let’s face it we’re all craving for a Spain 82 or an Italia 90 are t we
Agreed on all fronts but…it is there now. We have F1 & golf in Qatar & we have UAE money throughout sport. Either it’s all unacceptable or it’s not. This mass hysteria over the WC is hypocritical & I’m not buying into it. We can just hope that FIFA have learnt from this shitshow but the players are there now & they will get my support
