PHILINFRANCE

Well, obviously the electrician needed rewarding for his helpful intervention.

As you say, whilst there may be no ‘Mutawa’ in Qatar, it is still a strict Muslim country and subject to Islamic restrictions on alcohol/drunkenness and public amorous physical contact - regardless of the sexes involved. I posted earlier that I fear many Western visitors will be in for a rude shock, as it is really not at all like the more ‘enlightened’ Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. Nevertheless, given that the whole world will be watching, I do wonder whether, even if it is not announced officially, there might just be some subtle relaxation of the laws insofar as it relates to Western foreigners - I stress Western foreigners, as I doubt very much whether any such tolerance would be afforded to the numerous South Asian labourers.

Hey, Steady on. She has been released without charge! It happened in US women's ice skating, though.

He loved fireworks ?.

Obviously a very long, repetitive conversation ?.

Of course, I was being facetious when I suggested sabotage, hence the ?. I suspect, as you say, MV got wind of the investigation and went to see for himself.

I fear the Qatar World Cup will be an immense culture shock for the local authorities and Police, the locals themselves together with the many South Asian labourers and, of course, the numerous foreign football fans. I just hope there are no dramatically unsavoury incidents.

The latter relating to Verstappen apparently touching (sabotaging ? ?) the DRS part of Hamilton’s car that is under investigation!

Indeed. I suspect we are, many of us, guilty of overlooking the fact that these hard, sometimes brash, cocky young footballers are just that; young men, sometimes living away from home and family for the first time in an unfamiliar country whose language and culture is alien to them. Of course they are nervous, and it can be no surprise when, being so alone (and lonely), they are often led astray and succumb to the many temptations available to them.

I am quite sure, however, that age and fitness have a strong bearing on one’s capability to live in such circumstances - as well as experience. I was in my early 20s when I was on the Gulf coast and, believe it or not, would play squash in an outside, non-air conditioned court a couple of lunchtimes a week and, in addition, would play in a local, mainly ex-pat football league, which entailed training two nights a week plus a weekly match. I would probably struggle to cross the road to the souk today ?.

Indeed, and as I understand you have also visited Saudi Arabia, you will recall the discomfort due to the humidity of Dammam and Al Khobar on the Persian Gulf coast compared to Riyadh, where summer temperatures would often reach the mid-40s but, strangely, life was bearable as the atmosphere was so dry.

I posted almost from the outset that I considered it inconceivable how it might be considered Sala was not a Cardiff player. For goodness sake, Sala had signed a contract (subject to international clearance, I know), and the transfer was actually registered by FIFA. Where I suspect (hope) McKay might be implicated is in the arrangements/organisation of the flight itself. As I recall, Cardiff were arguing that they had arranged a commercial flight, but Sala, presumably aided by McKay, decided to take the ill-fated private flight in order to say Goodbye to his teammates. Henferson is due to be sentenced for both offences later this month, although I doubt we will hear much more now until after the coroner's inquest.

Of course, but just as a yellow card is often given for a succesion of 'minor' offences, I was sort of hoping something similar might have happened with Mr McKay.

What remains a mystery to me is why Willie McKay and/or his son appear to have got off scot free.

Talking of which. Here is an interesting, quite illuminating article about our old friend from across the other side of the river, written by the excellent sports journalist, Henry Winter. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/darrell-clarke-my-dad-was-a-disgrace-of-a-man-i-never-regretted-cutting-him-off-hr69x0ptc I believe it may be behind a paywall, so if it doesn't show I'll repost with the original article.

As somebody who doesn’t use Facebook or instagram, is there any way of seeing the goal without subscribing to either?

Especially the evening games, due to the dew.

Engwall?

Whose naive?

Evidence, if any were needed, that a certain portion of this forum is aging and/or well re(a)d ?.

?. What the Dickens is going on?

How interesting. TM is played on the right and receives rave reviews. I do like his nickname, though: Big Mary.

I saw that. What a wonderful coincidence.

They may have been called jumping jacks - it was quite a long time ago ?.

I remember the bangers, but also ‘crackerjacks’; similar to a banger, but with multiple charges that would send them hurtling everywhere.