Charlie Alford

Egyptian coach’s X gesture sparks unjust backlash

Post author:Alaa Shamali
Post published:10 July 2026
Post last modified:10 July 2026

It took just seconds for a gesture from Hossam Hassan, manager of the Egyptian national team, to become one of the most debated moments of the 2026 World Cup. After raising his arms to form an ‘X’ while protesting the decisions of French referee François Loutixier, Hassan’s gesture quickly came under international scrutiny. Some interpreted it as FIFA’s official anti-racism symbol. Meanwhile, others saw it as a familiar football protest against refereeing decisions. The controversy was not just about the gesture itself, but the context around it. It came during a furious reaction to the referee’s decisions. As a result, it…

Starmer is cutting jobs in a fawning gesture to Trump’s call for increase in defence spending

Post author:The Canary
Post published:3 July 2026
Post last modified:4 July 2026

The UK’s ambassador to the USA, Christian Turner, penned an opinion piece this week by declaring that Trump is “correct” that allies must spend more and that Britain has “heard that message” and is “acting on it,” referring to Starmer’s new Defence Investment Plan (DIP). Starmer announced £298bn of investment, including £15bn of additional spending on top of last year’s Spending Review, over the next four years, saying the plan goes “further still” in response to growing threats and the changing nature of conflict. President Trump has been consistent, and he is correct: America’s allies must do more for their own defense and…

FIFA clears VAR official of racism after concern over hand gesture

Post author:Alaa Shamali
Post published:16 June 2026
Post last modified:17 June 2026

A few seconds of television coverage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup turned into an issue that sparked widespread controversy in sporting and media circles. Australian VAR official Sean Evans was seen making a controversial hand gesture ahead of the match between Germany and Curaçao. As the Canary previously reported, Evans was seen to have: briefly formed an “OK” gesture with his right hand near his leg, a symbol that has been co‑opted by white extremist groups. The gesture was quick, but it was enough to trigger immediate concern from FIFA’s anti‑discrimination unit, which monitors all matches for offensive behaviour. The monitor…