Mo Salah: Asks UEFA A Question!
Death of Palestinian Pele!
Mo Salah has to be the most recognised, adored, and famous Muslim/Arab footballer in the world. Salah has established his name for his Beloved Liverpool and Egypt. Salah rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognised Egyptians on planet Earth. Before him, Omar Sharif, the Egyptian actor, was famous as a leading man and heartthrob of many women. Famous for films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Dr. Zhivago". General Nasser, the Egyptian dictator, is also a well-known Egyptian. Famous for the Suez Crisis in the 1950s. Zahi Hawas, who styles himself as an Egyptian Indiana Jones, is a famous archaeologist in the modern era. We have the ancient Pharaoh Tutankhamen, famous for the golden death mask and what Howard Carter found in his tomb. More recently, we have actor Ramy Malik, an Egyptian American. Famous for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the Queen biopic movie. Also, playing the baddie in the Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, "No Time to Die". Egypt, for its ancient history and resorts, attracts visitors by the score.
Ancient Egypt was a power, and Egypt today is a regional power. Egypt has never been a true democracy in the Western sense. From Sadat, famous for the peace treaty with Israel, which still stands today (just). To Hosni Mubarak and the latest incarnation of ruler for life, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt has gone through many historical eras, and along with China, India, and some would say Israel, is the longest continuing nation on the planet.
UEFA posted on X a tribute to a Palestinian footballer known as the "Palestinian Pele". He was killed in an Israeli airstrike allegedly in southern Gaza while waiting for food handouts. The Gazan Food Initiative (forgive me if I get the name wrong) is an American/Israeli organisation created to give aid to Gazans. However, 1,000 Gazans have died since the aid programme began. Targeted by IDF troops and American security personnel. However, Israel says it's targeting Hamas operatives who hide in queues trying to get aid and fire on the IDF. So, if Israel's account is true, it's tough that civilians get killed in the crossfire. Every mishap that happens, whether it be killing Gazan civilians, journalists dying, or charity workers dying, Israel says it will launch an investigation that never achieves anything. Only to say "Hamas is to blame" again and again.
The Palestinian Football Association, or PFA, paid tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, aka "Palestinian Pele". The former footballer was a player of significant skill, hence the moniker: "Palestinian Pele". This player was recognised globally and gave hope to Palestinians. UEFA also paid tribute to the fallen player on X. However, the tribute was brief and said, "A talent that gave hope to countless children even in the darkest times".
Mo Salah responded, "Can you tell us how he died and why"? UEFA has not responded to Mr. Salah. Frankly, I am not surprised, and I do not expect Mo to get an answer to his very relevant question. Had this been Russia, which took out a Ukrainian player, there would have been uproar. However, because it's Israel that took this Palestinian footballer out, the reaction is more muted. Such are the double standards that exist in this world.
Mo Salah has advocated for more aid to be let into Gaza. It's a wonder Mr. Salah hasn't said more about the war. Unlike Bassem Yousef, an Egyptian comedian now residing in America. Mr. Yousef had to leave Egypt because his comedy criticised the government of Egypt satirically. Perhaps Mo has been told to keep politics out of football. But that doesn't stop footballers from wearing LGBTQ armbands or taking a knee for supposed equality. This shows the total hypocrisy of the English Football Association. And yet, Mo, a devout Muslim, is allowed to prostrate himself towards Mecca when he scores. Yet when someone like Dutch player Cody Gakpo, another Liverpool player, scores and reveals a vest/t-shirt revealing praise for Christ, he gets a rap on the knuckles. More double standards, me thinks!
.
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
Keep reading
More stories from Nicholas Bishop and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Dutch Drop Parachuted Aid.
As Netanyahu's policy of occupying the whole Gaza Strip goes ahead, the Dutch Air Force dropped food and water into Gaza. The Jordanians loaded up the much-needed supplies. Then, the Dutch transport planes took off from Jordan and dropped the aid into the devastated Gaza Strip. The Netherlands NOS media broadcaster reported this.
By Nicholas Bishop5 months ago in The Swamp
Swiss Bar Fire: Could a Simple Foam Check Have Saved Lives
It was supposed to be a night of celebration. New Year’s Eve in Crans‑Montana, a picturesque Swiss ski resort, brought together locals, tourists, and thrill-seekers ready to welcome 2026. But what happened inside a popular bar that night turned a celebration into a tragedy: a devastating fire that claimed at least 40 lives and injured more than 100 people. As authorities investigate, one detail has emerged as particularly shocking: the bar’s soundproofing foam — the material used to absorb sound in the basement — caught fire almost instantly. Officials now say that this foam should have been checked by law as part of regular safety inspections. Let’s take a closer look at what went wrong, why this simple detail became deadly, and what lessons this tragedy holds for the future. When Fun Turns Fatal The fire happened at Le Constellation, a bar known for its lively parties and basement dance floor. Reports suggest the blaze began when sparklers or small fireworks touched the foam on the ceiling. Within minutes, the fire spread faster than anyone could react. What made this incident particularly horrific wasn’t just the blaze itself — it was how quickly it turned deadly. Victims were trapped in narrow stairways, and many were teenagers or young adults celebrating the New Year. Families and friends are now left grappling with a tragedy that could have been prevented. A Legal Blind Spot? Here’s where the story gets complicated. According to Crans‑Montana’s mayor, Nicolas Féraud, the bar hadn’t undergone a safety inspection in over five years, despite laws calling for annual checks. But the mayor also suggested that the law didn’t explicitly require foam checks, implying that inspectors might not have been at fault. Enter Stephane Ganzer, the canton’s head of security. Ganzer disagreed, stating clearly that Swiss regulations cover fire-risk materials, including soundproofing foams. In other words, someone should have noticed the potential hazard — either the bar owners or the authorities. This clash between statements highlights a serious problem: even in a country like Switzerland, known for meticulous safety standards, ambiguities in law enforcement can have deadly consequences. Why Foam Matters Soundproofing foam is common in bars, clubs, and music venues. It absorbs noise, makes parties more enjoyable, and protects neighbors from sound complaints. But most people don’t think of it as a fire hazard. In reality, not all acoustic foam is fire-resistant. Some can ignite easily, especially when exposed to sparks or heat sources. If properly tested and inspected, however, flammable foam can be replaced or treated to reduce risk. At Le Constellation, investigators say the foam wasn’t fire-rated and hadn’t been checked in years — a tiny detail that turned into a deadly flaw. The Aftermath: Accountability and Questions Now, the big questions are legal. Authorities are investigating the bar’s owners for possible negligence. They’re also examining whether regulators failed to enforce safety inspections properly. Key points under investigation: Were annual safety inspections skipped? Should inspectors have checked the foam as part of fire safety compliance? Could stricter enforcement have prevented the disaster? Courts will ultimately decide responsibility, but the case is already shining a light on gaps in safety regulations that many assumed didn’t exist. Lessons for Public Safety This isn’t just a Swiss issue. Around the world, fire safety rules exist on paper, but enforcement can be inconsistent. Tragic events like this remind us that small oversights can have catastrophic consequences. Here are some lessons to take away: Regular Inspections Matter: Safety checks should be thorough and consistent, not just a tick-box exercise. Material Matters: Foam, décor, and finishes in public venues should always be fire-rated. Clear Legal Guidelines: Authorities and business owners need specific rules, not vague suggestions. Public Awareness: Staff and patrons should know emergency exits and safety procedures. It’s a painful truth that in this case, a seemingly minor detail — soundproofing foam — became the difference between life and death. Looking Ahead The Crans‑Montana fire will likely trigger changes in fire safety policy across Switzerland. Expect stricter enforcement, clearer inspection guidelines, and possibly mandatory fire-resistant materials in venues nationwide. For bar owners and event planners, the warning is clear: don’t assume safety compliance is automatic. Regular checks, fire-resistant materials, and staff training aren’t just bureaucratic steps — they’re lifesaving measures. And for the rest of us, the tragedy is a stark reminder: even in countries with strong regulations, vigilance matters. It’s a heartbreaking lesson that fire safety is never just a detail — it can be the difference between a celebration and a catastrophe.
By Muhammad Hassan6 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.