| Somali Ref Barred From US 08:43 - Jun 9 with 34287 views | TwoHalves |
Referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first person from his country to officiate at a World Cup, has been denied access to the US and will not work at the tournament.
Just the latest example of a despicable regime in action. Gotta feel for the fellow.
https://www.theguardian.com/fo |  | | |  |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 12:28 - Jun 10 with 1890 views | kensalriser |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 11:40 - Jun 10 by Sonic_Hoop |
Hitler got in with a democratic vote.
Edited because woth isn't a word. [Post edited 10 Jun 11:56]
|
An enduring myth.
The Nazis never won a free election. Even in the March 1933 election when they pulled the Reichstag fire trick and unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation with the Brownshirts they failed to win a majority. Hitler was installed by the conservative establishment who thought they could control him.. |  |
| |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 12:31 - Jun 10 with 1873 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 12:20 - Jun 10 by colinallcars |
No South Africa ? s'pose it depends where you get your info.
It's Ok, I lean the way as you but not so far ! |
South Africa is high, but no one says it's the highest.
Got my info from the UN.
I guess your point is that the US was right to give asylum to white south African farmers and that it wasn't a political stunt because there is a lot of murders of in South Africa.
I'd point out, that the vast majority of South African murders were of black South Africans in urban areas. They were not given asylum. |  | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:15 - Jun 10 with 1734 views | Sonic_Hoop |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 12:28 - Jun 10 by kensalriser |
An enduring myth.
The Nazis never won a free election. Even in the March 1933 election when they pulled the Reichstag fire trick and unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation with the Brownshirts they failed to win a majority. Hitler was installed by the conservative establishment who thought they could control him.. |
You're right. But the Nazis were the largest party. Mussolini however did. |  | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:36 - Jun 10 with 1676 views | TwoHalves |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 08:29 - Jun 10 by Ned_Kennedys |
Yeah democracies allowing a free vote and electing someone you don’t like are really bad eh? |
In this very specific case I think it’s hard to conclude otherwise. | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:46 - Jun 10 with 1650 views | R_from_afar |
Getting back on topic, Ruud Gullit has publicly stated what many have been saying privately:
|  |
| "Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1." |
| |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:48 - Jun 10 with 1639 views | aston_hoop |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:46 - Jun 10 by R_from_afar |
Getting back on topic, Ruud Gullit has publicly stated what many have been saying privately:
|
That he regrets ever being involved with Chelsea because he thinks they c***s? Agreed |  |
| |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:49 - Jun 10 with 1636 views | Orthodox_Hoop |
If I could just steer this thread back to its original purpose, being the refusal of entry to the US for Mr Artan - before it descends into something that'll give Clive a headache. From how I'm reading it and has been widely reported, he apparently attempted to enter the US using a Diplomatic passport - despite not being a diplomat/govt official - and the laws are pretty clear when it comes to that: attempting to do that will get you sent back where you came from. He had a valid visa - fine - but it beggars the question, if he had a valid visa why was he using a diplomatic passport? Somalian officials have confirmed he was given the Diplomatic passport as they thought it would "ease" his entry. For what it's worth I think it's gutting for the guy and he should definitely be there, but it's also vey tiresome to read into this case and simply come to the conclusion that 47 is racist and has banned Somalians because of the racism. Interestingly, Somalia has some of the highest rejection rates for entry to the US of all countries - the highest being a 91% rejection rate in 2022 - during the Biden administration. |  | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:56 - Jun 10 with 1616 views | kensalriser |
I don’t know how on earth anyone could have come to the conclusion that Trump is a racist.
Ppl are so unfair. | |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:00 - Jun 10 with 1609 views | R_from_afar |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:46 - Jun 10 by R_from_afar |
Getting back on topic, Ruud Gullit has publicly stated what many have been saying privately:
|
EXCLUSIVE: Ruud Gullit calls on Gianni Infantino to resign amid growing World Cup controversy
"I have stayed quiet for a long time because I wanted to judge this World Cup on football matters. But the deeper we get into the preparations, the more it becomes clear that football is no longer the main story. For that reason, I believe Gianni Infantino should seriously consider stepping down as FIFA President.
A World Cup should unite people. Instead, this tournament is becoming a symbol of division, political disputes, travel restrictions, and administrative failures.
We are hearing reports that Iranian supporters have had their ticket allocations withdrawn. We have seen the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, selected by FIFA on merit to officiate at the highest level, yet reportedly denied entry into the host country. These are not minor issues. They strike at the heart of what the World Cup is supposed to represent.
FIFA cannot continue promoting football as a universal game while qualified supporters, officials, and participants face barriers that appear unrelated to football itself. The organisation's first responsibility is to protect the integrity and accessibility of the competition.
What concerns me most is that these problems were foreseeable. FIFA awarded the tournament, FIFA approved the arrangements, and FIFA repeatedly assured the football world that everyone would be welcomed. If those assurances are proving unreliable, then accountability must start at the very top.
Leadership is not about appearing in photographs with politicians or celebrating commercial success. Leadership is about taking responsibility when things go wrong. That is why I believe Mr Infantino must ask himself whether he is still the right person to lead world football.
The rising cost of attending matches is another serious concern. Many loyal supporters who follow their countries through qualification campaigns can no longer afford to attend the tournament. Football risks becoming an exclusive event for corporations and wealthy spectators rather than the ordinary fans who built the game.
The World Cup belongs to the world, not to governments, political interests, or football administrators. It belongs to the players, the referees, and the supporters.
If FIFA cannot guarantee that all three are treated fairly and equally, then it has failed in its most fundamental duty.
The football world deserves answers, accountability, and leadership. If those cannot be provided under the current administration, then perhaps the time has come for new leadership at FIFA." | |
| "Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1." |
| |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:03 - Jun 10 with 1596 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:00 - Jun 10 by R_from_afar |
EXCLUSIVE: Ruud Gullit calls on Gianni Infantino to resign amid growing World Cup controversy
"I have stayed quiet for a long time because I wanted to judge this World Cup on football matters. But the deeper we get into the preparations, the more it becomes clear that football is no longer the main story. For that reason, I believe Gianni Infantino should seriously consider stepping down as FIFA President.
A World Cup should unite people. Instead, this tournament is becoming a symbol of division, political disputes, travel restrictions, and administrative failures.
We are hearing reports that Iranian supporters have had their ticket allocations withdrawn. We have seen the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, selected by FIFA on merit to officiate at the highest level, yet reportedly denied entry into the host country. These are not minor issues. They strike at the heart of what the World Cup is supposed to represent.
FIFA cannot continue promoting football as a universal game while qualified supporters, officials, and participants face barriers that appear unrelated to football itself. The organisation's first responsibility is to protect the integrity and accessibility of the competition.
What concerns me most is that these problems were foreseeable. FIFA awarded the tournament, FIFA approved the arrangements, and FIFA repeatedly assured the football world that everyone would be welcomed. If those assurances are proving unreliable, then accountability must start at the very top.
Leadership is not about appearing in photographs with politicians or celebrating commercial success. Leadership is about taking responsibility when things go wrong. That is why I believe Mr Infantino must ask himself whether he is still the right person to lead world football.
The rising cost of attending matches is another serious concern. Many loyal supporters who follow their countries through qualification campaigns can no longer afford to attend the tournament. Football risks becoming an exclusive event for corporations and wealthy spectators rather than the ordinary fans who built the game.
The World Cup belongs to the world, not to governments, political interests, or football administrators. It belongs to the players, the referees, and the supporters.
If FIFA cannot guarantee that all three are treated fairly and equally, then it has failed in its most fundamental duty.
The football world deserves answers, accountability, and leadership. If those cannot be provided under the current administration, then perhaps the time has come for new leadership at FIFA." |
Fake news it seems, but the sentiment is valid IMO. Would be nice if he backed it up.
| | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:15 - Jun 10 with 1563 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:49 - Jun 10 by Orthodox_Hoop |
If I could just steer this thread back to its original purpose, being the refusal of entry to the US for Mr Artan - before it descends into something that'll give Clive a headache. From how I'm reading it and has been widely reported, he apparently attempted to enter the US using a Diplomatic passport - despite not being a diplomat/govt official - and the laws are pretty clear when it comes to that: attempting to do that will get you sent back where you came from. He had a valid visa - fine - but it beggars the question, if he had a valid visa why was he using a diplomatic passport? Somalian officials have confirmed he was given the Diplomatic passport as they thought it would "ease" his entry. For what it's worth I think it's gutting for the guy and he should definitely be there, but it's also vey tiresome to read into this case and simply come to the conclusion that 47 is racist and has banned Somalians because of the racism. Interestingly, Somalia has some of the highest rejection rates for entry to the US of all countries - the highest being a 91% rejection rate in 2022 - during the Biden administration. |
The other lot are racist too is no defence really.
Here's a direct quote:
"Somali immigrants should go back to where they came from"
and
"The USA will go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage to our country".
Also been confirmed that Mr Artan did have a standard visa on top of his diplomatic one.
Lastly, and this goes beyond Trump and to most recent presidents, if you don't like Somali immigrants don't bomb their homes.
Trump has dropped 400 bombs on the country across both terms. [Post edited 10 Jun 14:29]
| | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:36 - Jun 10 with 1498 views | TwoHalves |
Trump famously told reporters, “I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed” after being challenged to explain why he, allegedly, referred to African nations as ‘sh*thole’ countries during a bipartisan Oval Office meeting on immigration reform.
Referee Artan’s response has been dignified and remarkably sanguine under the circumstances but I wouldn’t blame him for reciprocating the sentiment. | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:39 - Jun 10 with 1493 views | thame_hoops |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:08 - Jun 9 by BazzaInTheLoft |
This is a country that bans the import of Kinder Eggs but not guns.
It is no surprise they have banned the entry of a African referee but not African white supremacists. |
They definitely sell kinder eggs. I saw them at Easter. Playing devils advocate, US does have strict rules and laws in terms of visas, if this referee failed those then why should they let him in? Maybe he had a criminal past or something, who knows.
I took a trip to downtown Fort Worth and downtown Dallas over the weekend, you wouldn’t know the World Cup was happening apart from a few posters and inflatable footballs. it was still a bit early mind. They have a fan park in downtown Dallas which is free but you need a ticket. Drinks food and parking is ridiculously expensive for it, plus it’s so hot as it’s outside. I’m just happy to be watching from bars.
Went and watched the Sweden team train yesterday, that was fun although they decided to train on the far side of the pitch away from the fans who are behind the goal. |  |
| |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:41 - Jun 10 with 1485 views | Orthodox_Hoop |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:15 - Jun 10 by BazzaInTheLoft |
The other lot are racist too is no defence really.
Here's a direct quote:
"Somali immigrants should go back to where they came from"
and
"The USA will go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage to our country".
Also been confirmed that Mr Artan did have a standard visa on top of his diplomatic one.
Lastly, and this goes beyond Trump and to most recent presidents, if you don't like Somali immigrants don't bomb their homes.
Trump has dropped 400 bombs on the country across both terms. [Post edited 10 Jun 14:29]
|
Hey Baz
"Also been confirmed that Mr Artan did have a standard visa on top of his diplomatic one." - yes, this is exactly what I mentioned in my post.
No whataboutism/the other side are racist from me - just stated the highest rejection rate for Somalis in the last 10 years was during the Biden term.
Also not going to get into a debate about who dropped the most ordnance on who, whether its Trump, Obama etc. The US would no doubt argue they're bombing targets in Somalia to stop terrorist groups before they can carry out attacks and help the Somali government fight them (using post 9/11 legal authority to justify it) - and I'm in no position to verify whether those targets are the homes of Somali immigrants (although if a country, let's say Russia, bombed my house, the last place I would want to go to would be Moscow). | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:44 - Jun 10 with 1477 views | strikerace |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 13:49 - Jun 10 by Orthodox_Hoop |
If I could just steer this thread back to its original purpose, being the refusal of entry to the US for Mr Artan - before it descends into something that'll give Clive a headache. From how I'm reading it and has been widely reported, he apparently attempted to enter the US using a Diplomatic passport - despite not being a diplomat/govt official - and the laws are pretty clear when it comes to that: attempting to do that will get you sent back where you came from. He had a valid visa - fine - but it beggars the question, if he had a valid visa why was he using a diplomatic passport? Somalian officials have confirmed he was given the Diplomatic passport as they thought it would "ease" his entry. For what it's worth I think it's gutting for the guy and he should definitely be there, but it's also vey tiresome to read into this case and simply come to the conclusion that 47 is racist and has banned Somalians because of the racism. Interestingly, Somalia has some of the highest rejection rates for entry to the US of all countries - the highest being a 91% rejection rate in 2022 - during the Biden administration. |
Stop discussing facts. Lets get back to emotionally reacting to one-line headlines in social media. | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:55 - Jun 10 with 1429 views | TwoHalves |
Anyway, Omar’s now arrived home to a hero’s welcome. Says he’s looking forward to officiating at the 2030 World Cup …
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/fo | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:12 - Jun 10 with 1365 views | daveB |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:03 - Jun 10 by BazzaInTheLoft |
Fake news it seems, but the sentiment is valid IMO. Would be nice if he backed it up.
|
This happens so often on X, you see a long arsed quote from Ian Wright or Gary Neville, Roy Keane etc and they have never actually said those things |  | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:12 - Jun 10 with 1363 views | TwoHalves |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 10:29 - Jun 9 by johncharles |
Trump is so stupid he can’t see a great opportunity in the popularity stakes. If he was to intervene personally claiming his support for International fair play for a world event he would gain huge amounts of brownie points. |
Not sure he’s bothered about international popularity. It’s all about throwing red meat to his MAGA base, who’ll just absolutely love it. | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:30 - Jun 10 with 1309 views | Match82 |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:41 - Jun 10 by Orthodox_Hoop |
Hey Baz
"Also been confirmed that Mr Artan did have a standard visa on top of his diplomatic one." - yes, this is exactly what I mentioned in my post.
No whataboutism/the other side are racist from me - just stated the highest rejection rate for Somalis in the last 10 years was during the Biden term.
Also not going to get into a debate about who dropped the most ordnance on who, whether its Trump, Obama etc. The US would no doubt argue they're bombing targets in Somalia to stop terrorist groups before they can carry out attacks and help the Somali government fight them (using post 9/11 legal authority to justify it) - and I'm in no position to verify whether those targets are the homes of Somali immigrants (although if a country, let's say Russia, bombed my house, the last place I would want to go to would be Moscow). |
"No whataboutism/the other side are racist from me - just stated the highest rejection rate for Somalis in the last 10 years was during the Biden term."
This is literally whataboutism. |  | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:34 - Jun 10 with 1291 views | stowmarketrange |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 14:39 - Jun 10 by thame_hoops |
They definitely sell kinder eggs. I saw them at Easter. Playing devils advocate, US does have strict rules and laws in terms of visas, if this referee failed those then why should they let him in? Maybe he had a criminal past or something, who knows.
I took a trip to downtown Fort Worth and downtown Dallas over the weekend, you wouldn’t know the World Cup was happening apart from a few posters and inflatable footballs. it was still a bit early mind. They have a fan park in downtown Dallas which is free but you need a ticket. Drinks food and parking is ridiculously expensive for it, plus it’s so hot as it’s outside. I’m just happy to be watching from bars.
Went and watched the Sweden team train yesterday, that was fun although they decided to train on the far side of the pitch away from the fans who are behind the goal. |
I think you’ll find that the Beatles and the Rolling Stones had criminal records for drug use but the US turned a blind eye to it.
If they’d refused Lennon entry into their country he might still be alive today. |  | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:37 - Jun 10 with 1275 views | thame_hoops |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:34 - Jun 10 by stowmarketrange |
I think you’ll find that the Beatles and the Rolling Stones had criminal records for drug use but the US turned a blind eye to it.
If they’d refused Lennon entry into their country he might still be alive today. |
Comparing the Beatles and the stones to a Somalian referee is certainly apples and oranges ha ha
Look, I’m not defending it or anything. As somebody that is currently 90% through the Green card process, I know there are a lot of hoops to jump through, just to visit. Just reading reports now, not sure how true, but they’re now saying this referee has links to some terror organisation or something. I don’t know but it’s on the bbc news site | |
| |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:40 - Jun 10 with 1254 views | Orthodox_Hoop |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:30 - Jun 10 by Match82 |
"No whataboutism/the other side are racist from me - just stated the highest rejection rate for Somalis in the last 10 years was during the Biden term."
This is literally whataboutism. |
States fact that highest rejection rate of of Somalis was under Biden.
Baz: "The other lot are racist too is no defence really."
It's a reach to interpret my fact as the other side being racist (unless facts are racist now) - so no, not literally whataboutism. But appreciate you sticking up for Baz, hope he sees it mate. | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:42 - Jun 10 with 1245 views | stowmarketrange |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:37 - Jun 10 by thame_hoops |
Comparing the Beatles and the stones to a Somalian referee is certainly apples and oranges ha ha
Look, I’m not defending it or anything. As somebody that is currently 90% through the Green card process, I know there are a lot of hoops to jump through, just to visit. Just reading reports now, not sure how true, but they’re now saying this referee has links to some terror organisation or something. I don’t know but it’s on the bbc news site |
Have you heard him sing Hey Jude though? | | | |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:46 - Jun 10 with 1221 views | derbyhoop |
The latest revelation is that US Immigration believes he had a link to a SUSPECTED terrorist member of Al Shabab, of which he said he had no knowledge.
When somebody can be refused entry on suspicions, why would any sane person willingly submit to that level of paranoia?
Just to correct the posting from TwoHalves qbove
Trump famously told reporters, “I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed” after being challenged to explain why he, allegedly, referred to African nations as ‘sh*thole’ countries during a bipartisan Oval Office meeting on immigration reform.
Can you replace least by BIGLIEST [Post edited 10 Jun 15:50]
|  |
| "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one's lifetime." (Mark Twain)
Find me on twitter @derbyhoop and now on Bluesky |
| |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 16:02 - Jun 10 with 1182 views | TwoHalves |
| Somali Ref Barred From US on 15:46 - Jun 10 by derbyhoop |
The latest revelation is that US Immigration believes he had a link to a SUSPECTED terrorist member of Al Shabab, of which he said he had no knowledge.
When somebody can be refused entry on suspicions, why would any sane person willingly submit to that level of paranoia?
Just to correct the posting from TwoHalves qbove
Trump famously told reporters, “I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed” after being challenged to explain why he, allegedly, referred to African nations as ‘sh*thole’ countries during a bipartisan Oval Office meeting on immigration reform.
Can you replace least by BIGLIEST [Post edited 10 Jun 15:50]
|
I hear you, Derby. For some reason I’m seeing that word without the ‘T’ on the end though. | | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.