Tag Archives: Qatar

Lebanese Audiences Allowed to Attend World Cup Qualifier Lebanon VS Qatar Football Game

Looks like our government changes opinions quicker than a hormonal person. Could they change opinions again soon? Time will tell.

The Ministry of Interior & Municipalities has canceled yesterday’s decision to ban audiences from attending the Lebanon vs Qatar football game. They are now permitted to do so.

What caused this change of heart? I have no idea. But it looks like we don’t care now about the Qatari prince’s feelings. Why was that an issue in the first place, I have no idea. Blog Baladi believes it’s the Lebanese audience’s fault based on the way they behave in usual sports games. I totally disagree. It’s as if we’re the only sports fans whose excitement goes through the roof before games.

Quick question to any average Lebanese who would attend the game: do you know what the Qatari prince’s name is in order to curse him?

No? Thought so. Neither did I.

Either way, those who can should attend the game to root for our national team. The audience is an important player in such games, especially with players that are severely underpaid and under-appreciated. The Lebanese attendees of the South Korea vs Lebanon game made all the difference.

Good luck to Lebanon in the game against Qatar. Here’s hoping we win, despite it being a severe uphill climb.

Lebanese Audience Forbidden from World Cup Qualifier Lebanon vs Qatar Football Game on Sunday

Update: the audiences are now allowed to attend the game.

Blog Baladi & Plus 961 have all the details. Ticket sales have been rumored to be about 20,000 for the football game. Those people will be severly disappointed.

Why so? Because the government is worried about the crowds bad-mouthing the Qatari prince.

You know, while they’re at it, why not just ask the Lebanese national team to lose the game to Qatar? That would surely please the prince and not put “unnecessary” pressure on the relations of the two country.

Let me call this Lebanese fuckery of the day. Kello ella yez3al l amir l Qatari.

Thank You Egypt

For once in a long, long time, we, Lebanese, are not in the spotlight of the political scene. We took a backseat and observed a revolution in Egypt that managed to get the country’s 30 year-president resigned.

So today, instead of saying “Thank You Qatar” for building a bridge somewhere or a sewage system in a remote village, we say “Thank You Egypt” for building hope inside every person who has ever been oppressed.

In just two weeks and despite the many bumps they faced, Egyptians were able to get the president that ruled them for thirty years to resign. Were they scared? Yes they were. Did they lose lives? 300 of them. Were they injured? In their thousands. But they kept on. They persevered.

This perseverance is letting me breathe today with hope that tomorrow will bring a better day for all of us. I am hoping that this dawn of freedom will shine on all states where oppression is still ruling.  Egypt has even given me hope for change in my own country, Lebanon. The courage the Egyptians have shown has instilled in me faith that I can pull off the same thing over here against those that I fear are trying to silence me, be it with harsh words, weapons or threats.

So today, let me say “thank you Egypt” on behalf of myself and everyone who believes this region deserves better than those who are running it. And let me raise a glass to all the brave men and women who, against all odds, triumphed. Maybe some other countries will follow suit? And yes, I am glaring at a bunch of them now.