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Originally posted by ramAnag
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Ok as a compromise I?ll move the thread off sticky and rename it Somalis currently in the news shall I? -
You do whatever you like AF. As I said days ago, growing up would be a good start, but when a valued poster makes a responsible and on topic comment about the WC I don’t think it’s up to you to belittle it…then again, it’s not my battle and I’ve given up trying to understand what’s going on with you at the moment.Originally posted by Andy_Faber View Post
For the record…no one is attempting to launch a thread about Somalis, but the fact that a referee has been banned from entering the U.S. (along with others) seemed relevant on the WC thread to me and unworthy of your snide response above.Last edited by ramAnag; 09-06-2026, 11:27 AM.Comment
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rA, Let's leave it at that.Comment
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Fine by me…just, especially given the title of your thread, don’t ‘get’ the objection.Originally posted by MadAmster View PostComment
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The most inclusive World Cup ever? Tell that to Omar Artan, the Somali referee just banned by Trump's Immigration service
Morgan Ofori!
Artan found himself at the centre of controversy after being denied entry to the US, with the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, suggesting he was powerless to overrule Donald Trumps' administration. Somalia is one of 12 countries on a travel ban list introduced by the US president last year.
The 34-year-old Artan, considered one of Africa's best referees, was refused entry at Miami international airport despite apparently having a valid travel visa.
Fifa forced South Africa, Germany and other recent World Cup hosts to promise that visas and minimal immigration interference would be guaranteed for all accredited officials, players and staff during the tournament. Why is the US exempt from that?Last edited by swaledale; 11-06-2026, 02:56 PM.Comment
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He's been "bought off" by FIFA by being given the European Super Cup to ref in August. Let's hope the Austrian authorities don't find what the US did. Otherwise no smoke without fire may emerge.
For all we know there maybe something in his past (or indeed present) that warrants exclusion. I doubt thee or me will ever know, so let's not let our own prejudices condemn anything in absence of facts and evidence.Comment
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Prejudices? I see, so your prepared to let an administration led by a proven liar have the benefit of the doubt? I'd take your point if the administration was known for its fair and even handed approach to these matters, but given it isn't I'd say ones judgement would be that its a deliberate act by them to demonstrate a point. I guess your saying that others (more than likely white) involved in the World Cup, who may "have something in their past that warrants exclusion" have also been excluded?Originally posted by Geoff Parkstone View Post
I mean there is only so many times that what is happening in the US can be excused but I guess in the kingdom of the blind the one-eyed man is king?Comment
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Please don't guess what you think I'm saying, it's perfectly clear what I'm saying. Neither of us know the (security or other) reasons why individuals have or have not been granted visas. You prejudice against the Trump administrations lead you to assume they are making things up when you have zero evidence apart from slight anecdotal evidence to support your prejudiced assumption.
Get back to me when you have any valid evidence supporting your opinion, otherwise it's just uninformed opinion making things up to support your own political bias.
Otherwise, end of...Comment
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Suspect you’re delighting in playing devil’s advocate again, GP. Even you must recognise the irony of accusing others of ‘prejudice’ in relation to the current U.S administration and as Sith has said, you’d imagine all the relevant checks would/should have been completed well beforehand.Originally posted by Geoff Parkstone View Post
Seems your ‘rear gunner’ status was particularly short lived.
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My own thoughts are "wait and see". He's been refused entry, that we know. He apparently had a valid visa. US immigration refused him entry. That we also know. The why and wherefore is unknown and may well stay that way.
GP, "bought off"? IMO you're mischief making. If he's refused entry into Austria we'll probably be told why. If he's allowed entry, I presume you'll retract you post?Comment
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Indeed gunning doesn't last long when people use their own bias to attack a decision despite their being no evidence to support that bias.Originally posted by ramAnag View PostSuspect you’re delighting in playing devil’s advocate again, GP. Even you must recognise the irony of accusing others of ‘prejudice’ in relation to the current U.S administration and as Sith has said, you’d imagine all the relevant checks would/should have been completed well beforehand.
Seems your ‘rear gunner’ status was particularly short lived.
Indeed the irony was quite deliberate 😉
As for Siths comment I've already respondedComment
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If he's allowed into Austria it would definitely make if look more likely that there was no reason to exclude. As you say, wait and see although I took doubt the reasons will ever be divulged.Originally posted by MadAmster View PostComment
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?and not a single word about the actual football, you just can?t help yourselves can youComment
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AF: Football doesnt start till Wednesday evening does it?Comment
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Watched the opening game, 3 red cards in a no red card game.
Glad Mexico won, would like to see them as a host nation do well, and Canada, not so much the US.
Plus its nice to see the locals celebrating
https://x.com/ofootball__/status/2065193773718819020/video/1Last edited by SithHappens; 12-06-2026, 04:13 PM.Comment
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