UAE footballer jailed for three months…for criticising his national coach

A United Arab Emirates international footballer has been jailed after a video emerged online of him insulting the national coach.

Abdullah Qassem was sentenced to three months in jail for "using telecommunications services to offend and hurt the feelings of others, and displaying a recording that breached public ethics through the internet" according to reports. Qassem was caught on camera criticising UAE manager Mahdi Ali as well as making indecent gestures after he was overlooked for selection for the national team and was subsequently suspended by his club Al-Dhafra, who play in the UAE Arabian Gulf League. Although Ali did not wish to press charges, Qassem and an unnamed player who filmed the rant were still convicted by the Abu Dhabi Court of Misdemeanours. We bet some Premier League managers would like that kind of protection... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gSFEaI4HdA