Lone Saudi Arabian player honors moment of silence for London terrorist victims before match against Australia

In what can only be described as a disgraceful display of disrespect and lack of decency or compassion for human lives, only a single Saudi Arabian soccer player chose to stand still and pay respect to the victims of the London terrorist attack during a moment of silence while the rest of his team continued to warm up, kick around the ball and even tie their shoes before a World Cup qualifying match against the Australian team this week.

As a full stadium looked on, only Salman Al-Faraj politely held his hands behind his back and stared at the ground during the sixty second tribute before the match as his Saudi teammates ignored the gesture and walked off to their positions on the pitch like it was nothing but a big delay.

That's one out of 11 for all you keeping score at home or Homeland.

The Saudi Arabian team became the target of worldwide outrage for snubbing the minute of silence, with officials claiming it was "not in keeping with Saudi culture."

Saudi Arabia's Soccer Team REFUSE To Line Up For Minute's Silence VIDEO: https://t.co/prbgs75bdI via @YouTube

— INFO Consapevole (@InfoConsapevole) June 9, 2017

Video shows the Australian team lined up at the halfway mark, with the Saudi players ignoring the respectful moment as they get in formation to start the game — all except the 27-year-old midfielder Al-Faraj.

Footage seems to show Saudi captain Osama Hawsawi instructing his teammates to pay their respect and stand still only after sensing the crowd's reaction.

It was reported that Saudi Arabian fans watching at the Adelaide Oval also ignored the moment of silence, speaking loudly and moving around in the stadium.

After widespread outrage, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation issued a statement saying it "deeply regrets and unreservedly apologizes for any offense caused." 

"The players did not intend any disrespect to the memories of the victims or to cause upset to their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity," it stated.

"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims and to the Government and people of the United Kingdom."

Later, the same Saudi players still found time to kneel and pray after a goal.

Turkish soccer player charged with 'attempted manslaughter' for kicking opponent in face (VIDEO)

A red card was just the beginning of problems for Mehmet Degirmenci, an amateur soccer player from Turkey who's been charged with "attempted manslaughter" for brutally kicking an opponent in the face.

It looked like any other foul after Degirmenci tripped Kayhan Karakas from behind, earning a well-deserved red card from the referee.

But Degirmenci was far from done. Instead of leaving the field, he turned to his fallen victim and unleashed a vicious kick to Karakas' unprotected face that nearly knocked him out cold, Karakas later told The Daily Sabah of Turkey.

Karakas, who blacked out from the kick and needed nine stitches to repair the damage, pressed "attempted manslaughter" charges against Degirmenci, The Daily Sabah reported.

Facing mounting criticism and possible jail time, Degirmenci, who has been kicked off the team, explained his actions to Hürriyet of Turkey, via Deadspin, claiming that he snapped after Karakas insulted his mother.

Suddenly that Josh Norman-Odell Beckham Jr. spat seems sort of tame.

Storm Barney gets assist on wind-aided own goal (VIDEO)

This might be the most bizarre own goal you have ever seen — thanks to an assist from the 70 mph winds of Storm Barney.

A video captured the hilarious moment Thurrock FC defender Kamarl Duncan was near the halfway line when he attempted to play the ball up field when a sudden gust of wind had other ideas and lifted the ball into the air and blew it back towards keeper Rhys Madden — who watched helplessly as it bounced over his head and into the back of the net.

This own goal last night took "the wind's against us" to a whole new level! pic.twitter.com/TqqsmYuZNo

— My Racing Tips (@myracingtips) November 20, 2015

Tuesday's incredible own goal put opponents Romford FC 1-0 up while frustrated Thurrock first team manager Mark Stimson fumed because the referee refused to call off the match.

The Isthmian League match, at Thurrock's Ship Lane ground in Aveley, Essex, ended in a 1-1 draw — thanks to Storm Barney's passing wind.

Fans boo, chant 'Allahu Akbar' during moment of silence for Paris attacks before Turkey-Greece game (VIDEO)

In what has to be one of the most vile displays of behavior in the history of sport, fans at a soccer "friendly" in Istanbul whistled, booed and chanted "Allahu Akbar" during a moment of silence for the Paris attacks on Tuesday.

Before the Turkey-Greece men's soccer match, some Turkish supporters booed and chanted Allahu Akbar — an Islamic phrase meaning "God is great" — during a scheduled moment of silence for the Paris terrorist attack victims, according to an Ankara-based Reuters correspondent.

The shouting can be heard on video, which apparently also includes the chants of "Allahu Akbar" after the two-minute mark.

The terror attacks in France last Friday killed at least 129 people after ISIS militants attacked locations around Paris. The majority of the deaths occurred at the Bataclan theater, where the attackers opened fire at a jam-packed rock concert. Suicide bombers also detonated vests outside Stade de France — the national stadium — where France and Germany were playing a friendly soccer match. Only one civilian was killed at the stadium thanks to security which prevented the terrorists from entering.



Sports venues around the world have been supporting Paris with moments of silence in honor of the victims.

It just goes to remind us that not everyone is standing behind Paris after the attacks.

U.S. Soccer to ban heading the ball during games for all players under 13

In an effort to curb the increase of concussions in youth soccer, the United States Soccer Federation unveiled a series of safety initiatives Monday aimed at addressing head injuries in the sport — including a policy that sets strict limits on youth players heading the ball.

The new guidelines, which resolve a proposed class-action lawsuit filed against U.S. Soccer and others last year, will prohibit players age 10 and younger from heading the ball and will reduce its use in practice for those from age 11 to 13.

Youngsters will now be prohibited from using their heads to block crosses or even score the occasional goal — key components of soccer.

According to officials, heading the ball should not be allowed for any U.S. player aged under ten, and should be limited to practice sessions only for those aged 11 to 13 due to the concussion fears.

At the moment, the rules will only be mandatory for U.S. Soccer's Youth National Teams and its Development Academy, including MLS youth teams.

While those players only make up a fraction of the total number of people playing the sport, they are perhaps the most important in terms of furthering the game on a national and international level.

U.S. Soccer admits that it doesn't have the authority to force all clubs to play by the rules, though authorities say they will be putting pressure on everyone to follow their advice.

"Although they are only recommendations, they are based on the advice of the U.S. Soccer medical committee, and therefore U.S. Soccer strongly urges that they be followed," said a spokesperson.

The ruling comes after a class action lawsuit filed in California last year, bringing claims against U.S. Soccer and its associated bodies, as well as FIFA, the international governing body.

While a judge ruled that a claim in the U.S. had no authority over FIFA, the case against U.S. Soccer, as well as U.S. Youth Soccer, the American Youth Soccer Organization, U.S. Club Soccer and the California Youth Soccer Association, was allowed to proceed.

The claimants sought no financial payments, simply rule changes that brought a greater focus to the issue of head injuries within the game.

That case was settled on Monday, the same day U.S. Soccer announced these new initiatives. 

What is not clear, however, is exactly how these rules will be enforced and what punishment a player on the field can expect if they decide to head the ball during a game.

There is also concern that leaving out such a major facet of the game, especially for players in national development academies, will hurt U.S. Soccer's international reputation and advancement.

Among other rule changes are allowances for a player to be substituted for a concussion check without that change counted against a team's total.

Currently, at senior level, teams are allowed a total of three substitutions per game, including those made for injuries.

Deer runs across soccer pitch and scores goal (VIDEO)

A young deer sprinted across the pitch during a youth soccer match — and somehow managed to score a goal.

And that's deer — not dear, grandma.

On a video posted on YouTube, the runaway animal can be seen leaping across a playing field towards the woods while a game was taking place. Seconds later, the deer charges towards the action and manages to deflect a shot as it sprints across the goalmouth.

The ball ends up in the corner of the net to the disbelief of players and spectators.

It is not clear where this footage of the goal-scoring Bambi was taken, but it didn't stick around for a tryout for Jurgen Klinsmann.

Futsal player kicks opponent in throat for showboating (VIDEO)

A frustrated Brazilian futsal (five-on-five indoor soccer) player used an opponent's head for a soccer ball after taking exception to a little showboating on the court.

After No. 10 in orange seemed to be dominating play, her angry opponent in black came over and landed a full-on corner kick to her throat.



The Mean Girl's facial was a vicious and dangerous action, but it looked like the shaken No. 10 was okay.

Mario Balotelli launches new line of Puma cleats featuring mohawk (PHOTOS)

Italian soccer star Mario Balotelli is a player who is both stylish and larger than life.

And the new junior soccer boots the Liverpool star recently launched reflect that individuality — and weirdness — and come with one of the bad boy of soccer's most distinguishable trademarks — his mohawk. 

The Puma evoPOWER cleats, only available in kids' sizes, have Balotelli’s infamous slogan ‘why always me?’ on the side and with a little row of fuzz on the heel:

Mario Balotelli's new line of football boots for kids. WHAT ARE THOSE!? pic.twitter.com/BVziRJgXwf

— Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) August 18, 2015

And if that wasn't enough, how about a mohawked soccer ball?

The shoes will run you about $50, while the ball goes for around $18.

Argentine goalkeeper gets hamburger thrown at him, then eats it (VIDEO)

The Argentine first division game between Racing and Belgrano on Saturday was about as exciting as the 0-0 final score would indicate, but Belgrano's goalkeeper Juan Olave did something that made it a little more interesting.

During the match, a fan tossed a hamburger at the long-haired Belgrano, and he proceeded to pick it up and nonchalantly take a couple bites.

It's better than fireworks and they do love their meat down there in Argentina.

Is this the shortest soccer free kick you will ever see? (VIDEO)

During Sunday night's International Champions Cup match at Red Bull Arena, Benfica was awarded an indirect free kick at the New York Red Bulls goal with the score tied at 1-1.

It wouldn't be anything special if not for the fact that the ball was spotted about three feet from the net — making it, quite possibly, the shortest free kick you will ever see in your lifetime.

Watch as the home team comically crams into the net making it almost impossible for the visiting Portuguese squad to score:



And they didn't.

The Red Bulls went ahead in the 56th minute and held on to win, 2-1, before driving away in a clown car.

Comedian throws fake money at Sepp Blatter during FIFA presser (VIDEO)

FIFA officials announced Monday that they will choose a successor to embattled president Sepp Blatter, who has served as the federation's president for 17 years, after saying he will not run again.

During the press conference, Blatter was showered with fake money by a notorious prankster at the group's Zurich headquarters.

Comedian Lee Nelson - real name Simon Brodkin - managed to infiltrate the presser and make it rain all over the stunned Blatter.

Comedian Lee Nelson throws banknotes over Sepp Blatter #FIFA https://t.co/ssJLPnCJz6

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2015

As Nelson is being led away, throwing the phony bank-notes in the air around a visibly furious Blatter, the prankster issues a parting shot, saying: "Cheers, Sepp - it's all there".

Argentine soccer player cold-cocks referee for yellow card (VIDEO)

A hot-headed soccer player lost his mind and knocked out the referee of an Argentine second division game with a vicious sucker punch after getting a yellow card.

Alejandro Roncaglia levelled referee Arnaldo Beron with the cheap shot and now faces a lengthy ban and possible criminal charges. Beron was laid out after showing the Ferro defender a yellow card for a foul against a player from opposing team Tiro Federal.

Beron was knocked unconscious and had to be hospitalized, prompting him to press charges against Roncaglia — the brother of Fiorentina and Argentina national team star Facundo Roncaglia.

"I don't remember anything, I woke up in the hospital," Beron told TyC Sports of Argentina Tuesday.

Argentina’s referee union has demanded the cancellation of the entire next match day in a show of support for Beron.

Sounders reserve player gives opponent double-nut shot (VIDEO)

Kicks to the groin are usually accidental but, in this case, there's no doubt Seattle Sounders FC 2's Sergio Mota intentionally took aim at his opponent's boys — and used two feet to make sure he didn't miss.

During Thursday's game between the Sounders 2 and the LA Galaxy II, Mota kicked a defender in the groin with both of his spiked feet and, amazingly, only received a straight red card for the foul.



Funny how nut shots are always painful to see but, for some reason, they seem fun to watch again and again.

Granada soccer player's painful block attempt on Gareth Bale goal (VIDEO)

During Real Madrid's 9-1 rout of Granada CF on Sunday, one Granada player took one for the team.

Correction. Make that two for the team.

As the Vine below painfully shows, it wasn't for a lack of effort, after the Granada defender failed to block Gareth Bale's chip shot but paid the price.

Get out the ice pack.

Soccer ref widow holds up red card at sentencing of player who killed husband on pitch

A Michigan soccer player who killed a referee with a single punch to the face last summer was sentenced to eight to fifteen years in prison Friday. 

Bassel Saad pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter last month after admitting he struck John Bieniewicz during a game at a Livonia park, according to The Detroit News. 

The 44-year-old referee was about to call a penalty that would have booted Saad, who already had a yellow card, when the player dealt the blow that would eventually kill Bieniewicz two days later.

And, in a dramatic gesture which silenced the courtroom during sentencing, Bieniewicz's widow Kris pulled out a red card as she spoke on the stand to symbolize her husband's last action before his untimely death, and said she will always see the act as murder. 

"Before I go the one final thing that I want to do is I would like to serve Saad with the red card that he was entitled to," she said in her closing remarks.  

Bieniewicz previously told reporters that she hoped the 36 year-old Saad "never sees the light of day," and that she believed her husband's life was "worth more than eight years."

Saad faced second-degree murder charges before he took a plea deal. He will be eligible for parole after eight years and his maximum punishment is 15 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $9,200 for restitution and the father-of-two's funeral costs.

Bieniewicz's mother and three sisters were also present in court. Saad told them through tears that he was sorry from "the bottom of my heart."   

Saad, an auto mechanic and a native of Lebanon, has lived in the US legally for 15 years but is not a citizen. The father-of-three could face deportation after he serves his time. 

A number of players testified in court last year that Saad had been issued a yellow card, or an official warning, following a foul in the first half of a game last June.

Bieniewicz was about to issue him a second yellow card for being verbally abusive. That's when the referee was struck, the players said.

Saad's punch landed in the head and neck area, causing Bieniewicz to fall and stop breathing.

Bieniewicz's widow said her only consolation was knowing that her husband died doing something he loved. 

German soccer goalie stops shot with face (VIDEO)

Someone should remind this Bundesliga goalkeeper that the netminders ARE allowed to use their hands.

Paderborn keeper Lukas Kruse used his puss to stop Stefan Kiessling’s Kruse missile and man did the facial hurt. 

The shot appears to have knocked him out, yet Kruse got up and finished the match.

Soccer team admits video of couple 'having sex' on pitch was PR stunt (VIDEO)

More than a million people have viewed a video of a couple "having sex" on an English soccer team's stadium pitch before it was revealed that the amorous rendezvous was just a publicity stunt.

The footage was uploaded to a Vine account on Wednesday afternoon and appeared to show a mystery couple sneaking into Charlton Athletic's soccer stadium — The Valley in south east London — and getting it on in the middle of the pitch.

WARNING: Video may be a little randy for some tastes:

(home of Charlton) and did this in the centre circle! #SextraTime https://t.co/rK7LqzxhNY more act > more action than wats been seen @ VP 🙈
— Daz AVFC Wilkes (@DazAvfcWilkes) February 26, 2015

After initially denying knowledge of the video, Charlton have now admitted it was a publicity stunt for a scheme allowing soccer fans to score — for real — at the club's ground. The Football League Championship team is renting out their pitch for fans to play on in the summer.

The clip was taken from a 1 minute 20 second advertisement launched on their website under the headline "Score at the Valley."

And you thought Keychain Night at your local stadium was a big deal.

Did Luis Suarez bite another opponent for fourth time? (VIDEO)

The old saying goes Never bite the hand that feeds you. But it never mentions anything about the hand that tries to defend you — at least in Luis Suarez's book.

The newly acquired Barcelona striker, who has a taste for his opponents as well as the net, looks like he took a little nibble from the hand of Manchester City's Martin Demichelis' hand in the waning minutes of the Champions League game the other night.

Dining alfresco during a match seems to be Suarez's specialty and while his latest tasting on the pitch didn't get a red card, it appears he hasn't curbed his serial biter ways.

Is this Luis Suarez biting an opponent for the FOURTH time? #LFC #MCFC: http://t.co/ragcn8YfVC pic.twitter.com/I8OoNinRj9
— Daily Star (@Daily_Star) February 25, 2015

Here's the video bite:

There was no reaction from Demichelis or his City team-mates but, with Suarez's past history, the league will probably take a close look at the tape — and the teeth marks.

Goalkeeper sparks brawl by jumping into stands (VIDEO)

A English soccer match ended in a brawl between players and fans, after a goalkeeper hopped into the stands to confront a loudmouth fan. 

After Kingstonian were beaten 2-1 by Bognor Regis Town at home in a Ryman Premier League game, goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey jumped the advertising boards in response to something shouted by someone in the crowd. Punches and words are exchanged, while a Bognor player watches, before players and staff from both sides jump into the melee to break things up.

The brawl lasted several minutes, with players continuing to push and shove each other on the pitch.

While it is not clear what sparked the incident, one player from the semi-pro club claimed that the keeper was punched in the face by a visiting fan during the incident.

Police were called in and are investigating.

Argentinian soccer team given Viagra before match: Report

An Argentine soccer team was given Viagra before a match, as a purported remedy to counter altitude sickness while playing at a unusually high stadium, but still failed to score in a Copa Libertadores de America match in Bolivia. 

Club Atletico River Plate may have lost the match, 2-0, but, at least, the players could hold their heads high knowing they gave their opponents some stiff competition. 

After staffers from the visiting team from Buenos Aires learned that they would be facing San Jose de Oruro at an altitude of 12,400 feet, managers announced that players would have to start taking a cocktail of asprin, caffeine and 50 milligrams of Sildenafil, better known as Viagra, the drug that stimulates sexual performance in men.

However, the robust concoction wasn't enough to raise River Plate to victory and their impotent offense managed only one shot on target over the 90-minute match.

The team team doctor confirmed that the cocktail was to counter the effects of the high altitude saying: "Viagra will stimulate the circulation of oxygen in the blood and help footballers breathe better."

And that team bus ride home must have been awkward in more ways than one.