There were some absolutely crazy goings-on last night in the Arab Cup semi-final between Qatar and Algeria.
The World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar were down one-nil in the second half, when the fourth official surprisingly called for nine minutes of added time.
Why the hell are there 9 mins extra time in the Qatar - Algeria game lol . There were barely any stoppages 😂🤣😂🤣
— Nadeem Moughnieh (@nad_man89) December 15, 2021
Judging by the game’s updates there did not appear to be any major disruptions in the second half to warrant such a lengthy injury time.
It looked like it would work out in Qatar’s favour as they equalised in the 97th minute through Mohammed Muntari.
It was also the second game of the tournament where Qatar required a late goal. In their group stage match against Oman they scored a late winner, also in the 97th minute.
However, the madness did not stop there, and the injury time went further and further beyond the original nine minutes.
After 15 minutes of time added on, Algeria were awarded a penalty. They missed the initial attempt but Youcef Belaili was able to tuck away the rebound.
Eventually, in the 109th minute, the final whistle of Polish referee Szymon Marciniak blew.
Ha ha ha ha, hosts Qatar are 1-0 down in the semi final of the Arab Cup and in a complete coincidence nine minutes injury time has been added
— Chris (@CEtchingham77) December 15, 2021
L'argent n'achète pas tout vive l'Algérie #Algeria_qatar pic.twitter.com/nJ98sB96Za
— Menouar_*Ou (@Menouar_Ou) December 15, 2021
If this as an indicator of how Qatar will be officiated during next year's World Cup, we are in for an interesting tournament.
It was a shameful day for the international football project in the gulf state.
Qatar, who have been heavily scrutinised for their working environments during the construction of these stadiums, were again in the news yesterday over the issue.
Abdullah Ibhais, an ex-media officer and whistleblower, lost his appeal against a conviction for corruption.
Ibhais was a media manager for Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, who are overseeing the organisation of the World Cup.
Ibhais claims that he was coerced into signing a confession and that he was being punished for criticising Qatar’s handling of a migrant worker’s strike.
With the guilty verdict upheld, Ibhais faces three years in prison on the charges of mishandling state funds.
See Also: Six Stats That Capture The Genius Of Sergio Aguero
