Sunday Tribune

INJURY

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LOVE

LOVE is now banned at the World Cup in Qatar. Really, Love is banned – the word, at least. The Belgian football team’s “away” shirt, which they were not likely to wear at the World Cup – in the group stages at least – had the word “Love” stitched into it. Just “Love”. No rainbow whatever, or “Remember the migrant workers” or “Let’s do it for Gianni”. It was only the word “Love”. And it’s been banned. Love. Who doesn’t love love? The Qataris and Fifa apparently.

BAN LOVE

Actually, Fifa says the official reason for it banning the Belgians from having the word “Love” on the inside of their playing shirt – so its not visible – is that it is promoting a music festival in Belgium. Which is a crock of … because, well it’s Love. How can you ban Love?

MAHSA AMINI

Anyway, banning “Love” is not as bad as removing the shirt from an Iranian supporter. A female fan had a replica Iranian shirt, with Mahsa Amini’s name printed on it, ripped from her grasp during the match between Iran and Wales on Friday. Amini died after being taken into custody by Iranian morality police for allegedly not adhering to Iran’s dress code for women. Her death has sparked mass protests in Iran and has caused divisions in the Iranian squad at the World Cup between those supporting the government and players who are supporting the protests. The Iranian players didn’t sing the national anthem in their first match with England and then, after threats from their government, did so for the Welsh match. Many Iranians in the crowd booed while the anthem was played. So much for Giannia Infantino – who was the victim of hair abuse – wanting everyone to just focus on the football.

LOUIS LOUIS

Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands manager, is not letting the World Cup stop him from getting a little somethingsomething. Van Gaal’s wife, Truus, visited the team’s training session before their match with Ecuador when he beckoned her over and said: “But you can come to the hotel. Just to my room. To get laid.” Some things are more important than the World Cup.

‘I DON’T KNOW’

Kevin de Bruyne was named “Man of the Match” with Belgium’s win over Canada. “I don’t think I played a great game. I don’t know why I got the trophy. Maybe it’s because of the name,” he said.

THE WANDERERS PA

For quite some years at the Wanderers stadium they’ve been trying to build gees by employing various personalities as the public address announcer. There’ve been comedians, ex-players (Warren Dugmore was quite good), really bad radio DJS, who then became podcast hosts, and others who shouldn’t hold a microphone. It’s in the latter category that the latest Wanderers PA belongs. This chap talks too much, makes noises that are coherent and generally just makes watching a game bad. Look, we get that you’d want to add some atmosphere at a domestic four-day game, but what has been happening at the Wanderers during the match between the Lions and Titans, that finishes today, just isn’t it.

TOO MUCH TALK

One example of the PA’S insight came in the middle of the Lions opening partnership between Rassie van der Dussen and Josh Richards, when the PA man declared: “The Lions are 62 without loss and the opening partnership is the same.” And then there was: “All you DP World Lions fans make some noise.” There were literally 12 people watching. One guy did clap and cheer.

SPORT

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2022-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytribune.pressreader.com/article/281943136894782

African News Agency