Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The scorer of a backheeled penalty, who has become an internet sensation as a result, is facing possible disciplinary action from the United Arab Emirates Football Association.
Theyab Awana stole the headlines in the UAE's 7-2 friendly defeat of Lebanon on Sunday for his 78th-minute penalty which he slotted home with his heel after running backwards towards the spot.
He was shown a yellow card at the time - although his offence was unclear - and now the UAE's team manager has hinted at a sanction.
Esmaeel Rashed told The National newspaper: "This should not have happened. I think what happened is disrespectful.
"We cannot accept anyone in our team who does not respect the opponent and does not respect the people who are working, or the supporters.
"There are many forms of punishment. We could send him away from the team. We could make him pay a fine."
Coach Srecko Katanec was also unimpressed, immediately substituting the player after the penalty, just 10 minutes after sending him on.
"This is not respect, Okay? I am unhappy. My reaction was normal: I took him out," he said.
Rashed has spoken to Awana and claims the 21-year-old Baniyas midfielder is full of remorse for his actions.
Rashed added: "The player, he is very sorry. He said: 'I did wrong. I made a mistake. Tell the team I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry I did this thing'.
"In the end, he's young, but he has to know what are the good things and the bad things.
"I think he will learn from this moment. He's really, really upset and very worried. From when he was sitting with us today, he's blaming himself."
Watch Theyab Awana's penalty below...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments