LONDON: In the summer the club spent around £50 million on transfers, more than it had spent in its entire previous history, but still only enough for a Kyle Walker or two thirds of a Romelu Lukaku. That they reached the Premier League was astonishing; that they might still be in it next season is borderline miraculous.
Their story is the positive one of battling for Premier League survival. This season has been hard for them. They have lost more than half the games they have played. They have only scored 27 goals, but there is little doubt Huddersfield fans have had fun. They have been able to see their side at some of the great theaters of world football. They have welcomed glamorous clubs and world-class players to the John Smith’s Stadium. They have even beaten Manchester United. These are memories that will stay in the local consciousness for years.
And they may still stay up. They are fifth bottom and three points clear of the relegation zone. But their problem is twofold. Firstly, the side below them, Swansea City, have to play the two sides below them — Southampton and Stoke City — meaning at least one of their rivals is going to pick up points. And secondly, Huddersfield’s run-in sees them face Manchester City and Chelsea away, then Arsenal at home.
Perhaps that is not as bad as it looks at first glance: Chelsea may have nothing to play for and have half an eye on the FA Cup final. Arsenal still have not taken an away point this year and could respond to the emotion of Arsene Wenger’s last game in charge in any number of ways. Three points from those three games would probably be enough; no points may also be.
But what is intriguing is what happens next. Huddersfield fans, obviously, want to stay up. They want to celebrate on the final day. Another year in the Premier League is another year of television revenue, another year of exposure for the club and the town. Provided expenditure is kept within sensible limits, it should help secure a certain status for the club (which, after all, was in League One as recently as 2012) for another decade or so. Perhaps they can stay up again, finish mid-table, record a couple more memorable wins against giants. But at some point the thought is going to kick in: Is this it?
The identity of the four teams below Huddersfield is revealing. All four are relatively established Premier League sides. West Brom came up in 2010, Stoke in 2008, Southampton in 2012, Swansea in 2011. All but Stoke have undergone a recent change of ownership that has, perhaps, corroded core principles. With all, there has been an underlying sense of dissatisfaction that has rumbled beneath the surface.
And the reason, in all four cases, is boredom. Cut through all the marketing glitz, ignore the glamor that
attends the very elite, and for the vast majority of match-going fans, football is about fun. It is about going to games, being emotionally invested in something that essentially does not really matter, and enjoying yourself. Yes, football can have a symbolic resonance and can come to have profound political and emotional significance but once match-going ceases to be pleasurable, what is it for?
Season after season of struggle, of winning — at best — a dozen games, of scrapping to survive, takes its toll. Fans begin to demand more. West Brom and Stoke offloaded Tony Pulis in part because fans, no longer satisfied by just staying in the Premier League, wanted more entertaining football. The eventual upshot of that may be relegation but although it is easy to sneer at the sense of entitlement some fans demonstrate that does not mean the fans were wrong. What, after all, is the point of surviving for no greater purpose than to survive?
That is not a concern yet for Huddersfield, revelling in their first top-flight season since 1971-72. If they stay up they should celebrate an astonishing achievement. But it is a question football must face: With the present distribution of wealth, a lot of clubs find themselves drifting without a purpose. For them, what
is the point?
Huddersfield hopes could turn to dust as monotonous reality of the Premier League sets in
Huddersfield hopes could turn to dust as monotonous reality of the Premier League sets in
- Huddersfield just three games away from beating the dropping and staying in the Premier League.
- But experiences of Stoke and West Brom illustrate beating the drop could be just the start of the side's problems.
Soccer agent ‘threatened’ Chelsea director over Zouma fee, UK court hears
French prosecutors suspect the eight of preparing and financing terrorist acts
PARIS: French police arrested eight men on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the finances of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), banned as a terror organization by Turkiye and its Western allies, anti-terrorism prosecutors told AFP.
The arrests took place in the Paris region and in southern France, the PNAT anti-terror unit said.
The PKK has been designated a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States and the European Union.
French prosecutors suspect the eight of preparing and financing terrorist acts, and of conspiring to extort, or attempt to extort, funds to finance a terrorist organistion between 2020 and 2024, the PNAT said.
Investigators believe the eight to be connected to a campaign to collect funds from Kurdish business people and other Kurds in France, a source close to the case added.
Police can hold the suspects for up to 96 hours for questioning, the source said.
Another source said the funds were destined for use in Belgium, where police on Monday raided Kurdish-run media as part of a probe undertaken at the request of a French anti-terror judge, the PNAT said.
The PKK has waged a decades-long insurgency for greater autonomy for the Kurdish minority of Turkiye in the southeast of the country, in a standoff with the Ankara government that remains unresolved to this day.
French police arrested eight men on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the finances of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), banned as a terror organization by Turkiye and its Western allies, anti-terrorism prosecutors told AFP. (X/@WestHam)
Ten Hag says reaction to Man Utd FA Cup win a ‘disgrace’
- Ten Hag admitted after the match his team had “got away with it” but played down any notion of embarrassment
- “The comments are a disgrace“
LONDON: Erik ten Hag says the media reaction to Manchester United’s performance in the FA Cup semifinal against Coventry was “a disgrace,” robustly defending his side’s achievement in reaching a second straight final.
United surrendered a 3-0 lead at Wembley on Sunday and were saved from a humiliating exit in extra time only by a VAR intervention, which ruled out a goal for offside in the final moments.
They eventually scraped through against the Championship side on penalties to set up a re-match of last year’s final against City.
Ten Hag admitted after the match his team had “got away with it” but played down any notion of embarrassment.
But he has been widely criticized, adding to speculation he is on borrowed time at Old Trafford.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said the performance would “cement his sacking.”
But Ten Hag was in defiant mood on the eve of United’s Premier League match against bottom side Sheffield United on Wednesday.
“You asked the question: ‘Is it embarrassing?’ No, the reaction from you was embarrassing,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“It is the comments. Top football is about results. We made it to a final and we deserved it not only by this game but also the other games.
“We lost control for 20 minutes, we also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, it is clear. Penalties was very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years, is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup finals in four years.
“The comments are a disgrace.”
United, winless in their past four Premier League games, are in danger of missing out on a European spot next season after a poor campaign.
They are already realistically out of the race to qualify for the lucrative Champions League but still have the Europa League and the Europa Conference League to aim for.
“We have to win every game, we know that,” said Ten Hag. “That’s what United stands for and that is our approach, go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and we now have two opportunities — in the league and the FA Cup final.”
Ten Hag said he would work closely with newly appointed technical director Jason Wilcox to determine the future direction of the club.
Wilcox, 53, has left second-tier Southampton to take up the job at Old Trafford with immediate effect.
“We have to form a partnership, which is very important,” said Ten Hag. “We are a little bit behind in the process so we have to catch up and we will go and speed up the process.”
AlUla Camel Cup promises a one-of-a-kind experience
- Tickets to major heritage event available online
- The camel racing spectacular runs from April 24-27
AlUla: The AlUla Camel Cup, considered the pinnacle of camel racing in the region, promises an exhilarating spectacle for sports aficionados and cultural enthusiasts from across Saudi Arabia and the world.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, the event will provide a celebration of sport, culture and entertainment.
In addition to the camel racing, there will be static and mobile displays and acts that celebrate AlUla’s heritage and Saudi Arabia’s artistic legacy, including music and performances that highlight the historical significance of the camel in local culture.
Workshops for adults throughout the day will cover calligraphy, traditional pottery making, incense crafting and Sadu weaving, providing hands-on learning experiences for visitors. Children, meanwhile, will enjoy a range of educational and creative activities, from camel origami and clay modeling to an augmented reality scanner that animates drawings.
Additional attractions include camel riding, a Light Brite experience where guests can try their hand at face painting, and a calligraphy light show after sunset. Visitors can also indulge in a traditional Saudi Arabian coffee roasting and tasting session.
Culinary delights from various cuisines will be available at pop-up stalls, while the retail experience will feature regional brands offering an array of products, including camel-themed streetwear, souvenirs and artisanal items reflecting AlUla’s heritage.
The event will also host the AlUla Design Award Ceremony on Friday, where the winning camel covers will be displayed in the Heritage Village.
Rami AlMoallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the commission, said: “As the second edition of the AlUla Camel Cup draws closer, we warmly invite sports and culture enthusiasts from around the globe to join us for an experience unlike any other. This event exemplifies RCU’s commitment to sporting excellence infused with cultural depth, reflecting both our rich Saudi heritage and our forward-looking vision for AlUla.
“We are gearing up to deliver an unparalleled celebration of the ancient sport that is camel racing, set against the breathtaking backdrop of this oasis city that will resonate with fans and families alike. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience in person this culmination of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural landscape and sports innovation.”
The event, being staged at the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village, will feature the region’s fastest camels and most skilled jockeys, promising several rounds of top-tier competition.
The inaugural Camel Cup last year drew thousands of visitors and this year promises an even more significant experience because 2024 is the Year of the Camel, celebrating the animal’s status in Saudi culture and society.
Ticket prices start at SR50 ($13). For bookings and further information, visit experiencealula.com.
Murray buzzer-beater lifts Nuggets over Lakers, Knicks stun Sixers
- The drama in Denver followed a scintillating comeback by the New York Knicks, who scored eight points in the final half-minute to stun the Philadelphia 76ers
- Embiid was dejected but defiant, telling reporters: “We should be 2-0“
LOS ANGELES: Jamal Murray fired the game-winner at the buzzer as the NBA champion Denver Nuggets erased a 20-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 on Monday and take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series.
The drama in Denver followed a scintillating comeback by the New York Knicks, who scored eight points in the final half-minute to stun the Philadelphia 76ers 104-101 for a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference set.
Nikola Jokic delivered a triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists for Denver and Murray broke out of his shooting doldrums, with 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter.
The Nuggets notched their 10th straight win over LeBron James and the Lakers, a run of dominance that includes Denver’s sweep in last season’s Western Conference finals.
The Lakers, led by the 32 points and 11 rebounds of Anthony Davis, were in control for most of the night, pushing a 59-44 halftime lead to 20 points early in the third quarter.
James scored 26 points and handed out 12 assists, but the Nuggets kept chipping away and tied it at 95-95 on Michael Porter Jr’s basket with 1:15 remaining.
James put the Lakers up 99-97 with a driving layup but Murray tied it again with a step-back jumper with 30 seconds remaining.
After James missed a three-point attempt, Murray rose over Davis and connected on a fall-away jumper with four-tenths of a second left.
“I told my teammates when I was struggling, I’m gonna look for y’all,” Murray told broadcaster TNT. “And every single one of them told me to keep shooting, keep shooting.
“They just told me to stay aggressive and keep looking for it, keep hunting it. I had the ball with a few seconds left and I knew once I made a couple, the next one should go down as well.
“I just beat him to my spot and elevated, went through my shot,” he said. “I’m thankful enough that that was one of the few that went down for me.
It was a similar story in New York, where the Knicks took the lead over the Sixers for the first time in the third quarter.
Philadelphia’s NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid was clearly hindered late by pain in his surgically repaired left knee, but the Sixers appeared to have regained control when Tyrese Maxey, fed by Embiid, made a three-pointer with 1:09 to play that put the Sixers up 100-96.
But Jalen Brunson’s three-pointer with 27.4 seconds left pulled the Knicks within two points and after Josh Hart came up with a steal, Donte DiVincenzo capped a chaotic possession with a three-pointer — after missing his first attempt — to put the Knicks up 102-101.
OG Anunoby sealed it at an ecstatic Madison Square Garden with a pair of free throws.
It was a crushing defeat for Philadelphia, who were up by five with less than a minute to play.
The 76ers were furious that officials failed to respond to their calls for a time-out in the critical seconds, Embiid adding a jab over missed foul calls.
“That’s unacceptable to put us in that situation,” Embiid said. “Everybody on the floor was trying to call time-out... but they didn’t give it to us.
“But forget about the time-out, there’s a bunch of fouls .... that’s unacceptable.
“We’re going to win this series,” he added. “We’re the better team and we’re going to keep fighting.”
Brunson finished with 24 points despite connecting on just eight of 29 shots from the field. He added eight rebounds and six assists and Hart added 21 points and 15 rebounds for New York.
The series shifts to Philadelphia on Thursday.
Maxey, who skipped the Sixers’ morning shoot-around because of illness, finished with 35 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Embiid added 34 points and 10 rebounds but missed a three-pointer at the final buzzer.
In Cleveland, the Cavaliers cruised to a 96-86 victory over the Orlando Magic, their second straight wire-to-wire victory giving them a 2-0 series lead.
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and Jarrett Allen added 16 points and 20 rebounds for the Cavs.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando’s scoring with 21 points and Franz Wagner added 18. The youthful Magic will be hoping to turn things around when the series shifts to Orlando.
Saudi Arabia lose to Iraq as both teams progress to quarterfinals of 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup
- The 2-1 reverse sees the Green Falcons finish second in Group C of tournament that is also a qualifying competition for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
DOHA: Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 on Monday night at Khalifa International Stadium in Al-Rayyan as both teams secured their spots in the last eight of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
Saudi Arabia entered the match as leaders of Group C with a maximum of six points from two matches. But the reverse sees them drop to second in the final standings, with Iraq — also on six points — taking top spot with a superior head-to-head record.
With three points apiece, Tajikistan and Thailand finished third and fourth respectively and were eliminated from the competition.
The tournament, which runs until May 3, provides a pathway to the men’s football competition at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Iraq took the lead one minute into first-half stoppage time through an Ali Jasim penalty but there was still time for Saudi Arabia to equalize nine minutes later with a spot kick converted by Ahmed Al-Ghamdi.
Iraq secured the win thanks to Mustafa Saadoun’s winner on 63 minutes.
Monday also saw the conclusion of Group B with South Korea beating Japan 1-0 and China overcoming the UAE 2-1.
South Korea and Japan had qualified from the group ahead of the final round of matches.
Tuesday will see the final round of Group D matches, with Uzbekistan and Vietnam already guaranteeing their progress to the last eight as they sit on six points apiece.
The tournament has 16 nations split into four groups, with the top two from each progressing to the quarterfinals. The winners of the two semifinals secure automatic qualification to the Olympic Games.
The two losing semifinalists will contest third place, with the winners also booking a place in Paris, while the fourth-place finishers have a final chance with a playoff against an African qualifier.
