How can one support international football when this is the pinnacle? I feel for the kids in my class. First World Cup in their memory and it's this... I can't even tell them why I have zero interest because I'd probably get put in front of the governors. Sport is a wonderful thing but this is utter bollocks. Rugby World Cup this year kids! Get it before it gets banned (though, judging from Iran's keeper today, concussion apparently isn't a thing....)
Qui tacet consentire videtur. It's some display of power. The suggestion that being there facilitates using the platform to highlight issues is not borne out by the commentators and players that are there. The fact is, participation is an endorsement. If they felt that bad about the Qatari record, associations would not send their teams to the tournament.I won't be watching.
You don’t blame the players Toby? Nor do I. I imagine they would feel very conflicted - making a statement is one thing, getting a card in the biggest tournament is letting team and fans down. It’s down to the football associations to decide what the team does, it’s their responsibility, not the players’.
As it happens I think F1 is a very objectionable sport given the surrounding problems it has.The Olympics I'll grant you. I do watch it but yes the IOC etc is well sus. Football in this country being awash with dodgy money is something people hugely object to all the time mind you. Fortunately as SUFC fan I don't need to worry about them playing City soon...
If people generally don’t watch this World Cup due to it being in Qatar they might as well stop watching football all together and add the Olympics and F1 to the list as countries with human rights issues are welcomed with open arms in all of them.
Quote from: Wellsy on November 22, 2022, 11:10:14 amAs it happens I think F1 is a very objectionable sport given the surrounding problems it has.The Olympics I'll grant you. I do watch it but yes the IOC etc is well sus. Football in this country being awash with dodgy money is something people hugely object to all the time mind you. Fortunately as SUFC fan I don't need to worry about them playing City soon...Why do you find F1 more objectionable than footy?SUFC supporter ! a club with a saudi owner and vice chairman who wanted two british women whipped and beheaded for there crimes. Not having a go at you ( i support and will continue to support NUFC) just pointing out that it runs through most big sports and not just because its in Qatar. I dont see any protests outside bramall lane.
My kid's school spent the entire afternoon watching the game, they had the choice apparently of do arts and crafts or watch the game. I'm a bit livid.
Quote from: gme on November 22, 2022, 12:33:32 pmQuote from: Wellsy on November 22, 2022, 11:10:14 amAs it happens I think F1 is a very objectionable sport given the surrounding problems it has.The Olympics I'll grant you. I do watch it but yes the IOC etc is well sus. Football in this country being awash with dodgy money is something people hugely object to all the time mind you. Fortunately as SUFC fan I don't need to worry about them playing City soon...Why do you find F1 more objectionable than footy?SUFC supporter ! a club with a saudi owner and vice chairman who wanted two british women whipped and beheaded for there crimes. Not having a go at you ( i support and will continue to support NUFC) just pointing out that it runs through most big sports and not just because its in Qatar. I dont see any protests outside bramall lane.That comment was more tongue jn cheek! I'll definitely not stan for football, as I said it is deeply awash with dodgy money and yes the Blades are no exception. There aren't protests outside Bramall Lane; maybe there should be. I dunno if I'd say I find either it or F1 more objectionable although F1 is probably inherently more egregiously so as it has a truly diabolical environmental impact and has no real grassroots elements to connect to (unlike football where local communities can and do hugely benefit).
we are only gonna get there by actually taking action.
Quote from: battery on November 21, 2022, 09:45:34 pmMy kid's school spent the entire afternoon watching the game, they had the choice apparently of do arts and crafts or watch the game. I'm a bit livid. Ditto. Hopefully England get knocked out ASAP. I couldn't give less of a fuck.
Quote from: Johnny Brown on November 22, 2022, 02:45:10 pmQuote from: battery on November 21, 2022, 09:45:34 pmMy kid's school spent the entire afternoon watching the game, they had the choice apparently of do arts and crafts or watch the game. I'm a bit livid. Ditto. Hopefully England get knocked out ASAP. I couldn't give less of a fuck.You don't but a hell of a lot of people do, so your in a minority. If it has a positive effect on many peoples lives we should support it even if we are not interested. It brings a lot of joy to a lot of people where as i suspect it being on doesn't affect your life at all. If we want to make a point Surely its better to stay in to the end and then make a big statement on the human rights thing once people are listening. The longer your in the more eyes on you.
I do wonder what Qatar had hoped to benefit? Increased tourism? No longer being the pariah state of the Middle East?
Quote from: gme on November 22, 2022, 03:45:15 pmQuote from: Johnny Brown on November 22, 2022, 02:45:10 pmQuote from: battery on November 21, 2022, 09:45:34 pmMy kid's school spent the entire afternoon watching the game, they had the choice apparently of do arts and crafts or watch the game. I'm a bit livid. Ditto. Hopefully England get knocked out ASAP. I couldn't give less of a fuck.You don't but a hell of a lot of people do, so your in a minority. If it has a positive effect on many peoples lives we should support it even if we are not interested. It brings a lot of joy to a lot of people where as i suspect it being on doesn't affect your life at all. If we want to make a point Surely its better to stay in to the end and then make a big statement on the human rights thing once people are listening. The longer your in the more eyes on you.Personally I don't know that Qatar has all that much to gain - their human rights issues are under global scrutiny like never before, they have spent a vast sum of money (£100bn+) on largely useless infrastructure that won't have a function after the tournament, and they only really benefit if they increase tourism afterwards as a result. I doubt lots of people from western countries will now be keen to go to Qatar - many will be more put off than they would have been before.