Al-anwar Newspaper English news in Australia
In a bid to crack down on hooligan behaviour at this year’s World Cup, more than 1300 England fans have had their passports temporarily revoked.
The fans, who have been subject to football banning orders, will be forced to hand over their UK passports in order to prevent them from travelling to the World Cup in Qatar, which starts next month.
Any attempts made by the “violent and abusive’ fans, according to a Sky News report, could result in six months in prison and fines.
“We are all looking forward to cheering England and Wales on in Qatar and we will not let the behaviour of a minority of lawbreakers tarnish what will be an exciting tournament,” said British Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
“Violence, abuse and disorder is not tolerated here, and this criminal behaviour will not be tolerated at the World Cup which is why we are taking this firm approach.
“As with all events of this nature, we are working closely with the host authorities on the safety of British nationals attending and on delivering a successful and enjoyable event.”
COLOMBIA’S CRIPPLING DIAZ BLOW
Liverpool and Colombia have suffered an injury blow as Luis Diaz has been ruled out until December – ending his World Cup campaign before it began.
Diaz, 25, left the Emirates on crutches following the Reds’ 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
A bad day for Jurgen Klopp’s side has got even worse as The Times report the winger is now out with a knee injury.
No surgery will be required, but a Christmas or January return looks likely – though it crushes the attacking weapon’s hopes of driving Colombia’s World Cup campaign in Qatar, which starts next month.
Diaz was seen sporting a knee brace after picking up a first-half injury in North London.
WORLD CUP DEFENCE ROCKED BY WITCHCRAFT CLAIMS
France’s World Cup defence is off to a rocky start well before they set foot in Qatar.
Controversy, and generally bizarre tales, never seem far away from France when World Cups roll around – think the explosive flameout in 2010, when players refused to train amid a mutiny against coach Raymond Domenech who, in an unrelated quirk, had a penchant for picking players based on their star signs.
But even for the French this one is mind-boggling.
The country’s two biggest stars – striker Kylian Mbappe and midfield maestro Paul Pogba – have become embroiled in a ridiculous saga that involves infighting, blackmail and… witchcraft.
Pogba was accused of hiring a witchdoctor to cast a spell on Mbappe – reportedly out of jealousy of his younger teammate.
Pogba was then part of a $20m extortion bid, led by his own brother Mathias, which led to five men being charged. The latest twist? That Pogba has admitted using the services of the witchdoctor, but that Mbappe was never his target… rather that he was looking for an edge to get over persistent injuries. There’s never a dull moment with Les Blues. ‘IRANIAN MESSI’ FACING AXE OVER WOMEN SUPPORT Iran star Sardar Azmoun has insisted he is prepared to be axed from their World Cup squad after standing up for the repression of women in his home country.
