Alternatives to the Qatar World Cup

[malumbu]

Posting in the politics bit, as this is very much current affairs

I've got little interest when I've discussed my distaste over the holding of this tournament in Qatar.

I've got plenty of other football to watch live in the lower divisions and non-league. I'm well aware that pubs are dependent on this type of revenue, surely the members of FIFA from the western, footballing and boozing countries, would have been well aware of this when the stupid decision was made to award the competition to Qatar.

Or FIFA could have had the balls to move it to another country when Qatar admitted that they could not hold a summer World Cup.

A bit heavy as most know of the issues. Suggestions for other things to do during the tournament. Light hearted/p takes welcome. Like tidying your sock draw or sorting out your inhereted collection of screws.

[malumbu]

First match (not even sure if this is the opening ceremony or that was yesterday)

Going for a walk on Sydenham Hill.

[malumbu]

Well pleased I missed last night's match. And thanks to Sue and Nyge for a great gig last night at the Ivy.

Saw USA vs Portugal in Manaus 8 years ago. Great match with the American fans boisterous and the locals supporting Portugal, wdo equalised in injury time.

The organisation was chaotic, and tickets for locals aimed at those living in favela but bought by rich European Brazilians, farcical. Accommodation grossly inflated and squalid. Earlier experience at cologne World Cup 2006, German organisation brilliant, match rubbish nut Dortmund wonderful stadium.

[malumbu]

Forest green Vs Alvechurch FA Cup on the Beeb, Alvechurch just equalised

[TheCat]

Fascinating that given there are around 70 countries in the world where homosexuality is illegal...that Qatar is being lambasted (rightfully so)

I agree that these views should be challenged. But again it's fascinating that lefties talk a lot about accepting different cultures, but if that culture doesn't like the gays we only mention it when there's a world Cup on...

[Sephiroth]

It’s not fucking hard

Qatar promised one thing, killed a lot of people over the years since, and then withdrew promises at the last minute

What is it you struggle with and feel the need to go “oooh leftie liberals”

[TheCat]

Is there anything I say that doesn't make you froth with rage?

It's quite comical really how much I seemingly irritate you

[Sephiroth]

Yep. That’s the main point here. Rubbing your belly at owning the libs and not actually what’s happening in Qatar

(For clarity. It’s not you personally. It’s just you happen to be the locally present conduit for all these toxic views)

You could for example, just talk about the issues of Qatar and the World Cup and migrant workers and welcoming gay people only to withdraw at the last minute. In a thread about exactly that

But nope. Like some third rate Trotskyite defending Putin it’s all “well, chuckle, the west isn’t perfect either yknow”

[TheCat]

Sigh.

Because I make some comments that don't 100 per cent align with the graun/sephiroth approved view of the world (what you SHOULD talk about cat...is what I want you to talk about), your have created this golem of what you assume a horrible right winger is probably like, based on absolutely nothing of any substance.

Lets recap....I've said Qatar gets rightfully lambasted, and that these intolerant views should be challenged.....and in your head that's a "toxic" view...pull your head in mate....

[Sephiroth]

“. But again it's fascinating that lefties talk a lot about accepting different cultures, but if that culture doesn't like the gays we only mention it when there's a world Cup on...”

No one makes you post this stuff. But there you are. Blaming lefties and me

And when anyone calls you on it you get all big chested, huffy and “wind yer neck in mate”

Qatar are the bad guys here. They paid a lot of money, killed a lot of people and at the last minute reneged jn their promises. But you want to make it about you being the big man calling out lefties. You dolt

[TheCat]

It is a very strange bubble that you live in.

No...no one does make me post this stuff... and your intolerance for anything that isn't in total agreement with what you read somewhere, and which might require one iota of critical thought is beyond the ridiculous.

If you don't think it's interesting to ask/ponder why we, collectively as a society, get outraged about certain things and not about others, which may be equally distasteful, then that is probably due to your lack of a curious mind.

Thanks for 'calling me out'...im sorry if i hurt your little 'leftie' feelings by not giving the expected/approved response, so made you feel bad about your leftie hypocrisy....which you know to be true, but dont like it when people say it, hence lashing out at me in your anger at yourself. In anycase, all you've managed to do is highlight your own intolerance and ignorance....once again...

Cheerio

[Sephiroth]

You keep taking about “leftie hypocrisy”

But what is it in relation to Qatar (beyond a figment of your imagination)

You mention 70 other countries with relation to homosexuality.

But none of them have been awarded a World Cup on the back of promises of opening their country to everyone only to renege on that promise

It seems entirely fair and not in any way leftie to condemn that.

So

What

Actually

Is your point?

[TheCat]

It seems entirely fair and not in any way leftie to condemn that.

 

Which is exactly what I have done.

But I do like referring to 'lefties'...because it just seems to wind you up so much....

[malumbu]

A little belated but tonight I'll be watching a verbal scrap on EDF. Rocks, if you are listening, this is how you have a proper argument. Just like the school playground

Tomorrow I'll be searching for countries that outlaw homosexuality, so I can be better informed. Many I expect tolerate it despite their laws - I recall this was the situation in India, before they legalised same sex relationships in 2018. Interesting point on whether England should play cricket in such countries, and those with the death penalty. Spose you have to draw a line somewhere and he/she without sin should cast the first stone (eg allegations of torture against Western democracies, abuses during the Irish troubles etc).

[TheCat]

For your education mal...

https://www.humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-the-law/map-of-criminalisation/

[malumbu]

Thanks Cat. I still consider things on a country by country basis. Qatar is very much beyond same sex relationships, migrant workers, climate change, women's rights, and the need to be actually playing the sport and have the organisation and infrastructure in place rather building from scratch. And the weather.

Not sure if most of the countries in the attached list fall foul of all of these.

[diable rouge]

...because it just seems to wind you up so much....

And there we have it.

The circle is complete.

You should've made that your last post...

[TheCat]

Well I've tried reasoned explanation and evidence based argument at various times....none of which seem to make a blind bit of difference to intolerant shoot from the hip rage, even when totally uncalled for ....so I might as well have a little fun with it now....i mean...being 'called out, for my 'toxic views' expressed in my OP above...puuurleeease!...if others cant be serious then why should i be....?

Since you and seph seem so full of advice about what people 'should' post... allow me to return the favour...the last few posts you've directed at me across different threads haven't addressed the thread topics at all, but have been a vehicle to mock or criticise me....perhaps you SHOULD concentrate less on me (flattering as it is) and more on the topics at hand....

[TheCat]

Thanks Cat. I still consider things on a country by country basis. Qatar is very much beyond same sex relationships, migrant workers, climate change, women's rights, and the need to be actually playing the sport and have the organisation and infrastructure in place rather building from scratch. And the weather.

Not sure if most of the countries in the attached list fall foul of all of these.

 

Yep, don't disagree with this.

In the context of my original post....its a little eye-opening that around half the counties that criminalise homosexuality are commonwealth countries....which 'we' are collectively happy to compete at commonwealth games and other sporting events without armbands or protests...

Also...at the risk of being branded toxic again....its notable thay the dominant narrative (from the left) at events like the commonwealth games and chogm seems to typicall reference the evils of colonialism...which is largely a thing of the past....but invariably little or no comment on the oppression of lgbt people which is something that is ongoing and is happening right now....

Just interesting to consider what drives the attention that some causes get over others. Im aware that the football world cup is a big deal and there are specific circumstances around various decisions that have been made..but just thinking out loud.....I suspect national wealth plays a part in willingness of western commentators to criticise...I.e. Qatar is a wealthy country...but I guess not a good look for the guardian to punch down and moralise to a relatively poor African nation for example...

[malumbu]

But it remains Cat that is wrong on so many fronts to hold the World Cup in Qatar. Obviously money talks, the Country is phenomenally rich, they have to do something with their money, and the West is utterly dependant on Qatar due to the massive gas reserves. It may be as wrong to have sporting relationships with many other countries due to human rights abuses. But the World Cup must be the largest and most lucrative sporting event in the world (superbowl???). Not sure why this was not challenged from the minute it was awarded to them. Meanwhile as per original post, I'd love your suggestions of alternative activities.

[TheCat]

Yeah. Agreed. It seemed a totally bizarre choice from a number of different perspectives

Fifa has had a 'cracking' run of late haven't they...Russia in 2018, Qatar in 2022, and (possibly) Trumps America in 2026....

So far as alternatives go...last night I watched some old episodes of Seinfeld on Netflix...forgotten what a good show that was....