Majed Naser’s career seems doomed to the melancholy repository of “what might have been”.
He might have been the country’s greatest goalkeeper since Muhsin Musabah. He might have been the man to lead the UAE back to the World Cup. He might have won championships for club and country.
Instead, he is the player whose lack of self control led to so many regrettable episodes that his CV is more about bans and fines than the skill, athleticism and ferocious will to win that, at times, made him the best player in the country.
In 2011, Naser in the net was the linchpin of UAE coach Srecko Katanec’s Asian Cup strategy. He was that good.
The Slovenian had no idea who would score for the Emiratis, but he was confident Naser would concede grudgingly, and he was proved right. A 0-0 draw with North Korea. Another 0-0 on the cards until Walid Abbas’s own goal in the third minute of added time. Then a 3-0 loss to Iran that included another Abbas own goal.
It was Naser in net as the 2014 World Cup qualifying third round began. He was beaten for three by Kuwait and Lebanon, but Katanec had lost the team by then and the goalkeeper was not the problem.
Soon after that, Naser's renewed bad behaviour with his club side, Al Wasl, derailed his career. He slapped Al Ahli coach Quique Sanchez Flores after a game, was handed a 17-match ban, announced his retirement, then changed his mind.
He came back in time to butt an Al Muharraq player in the 10th minute of the Gulf Clubs Cup final and was sent off, dooming Diego Maradona's club to defeat.
He moved to Ahli, snapped his Achilles' tendon while celebrating a victory over Dubai, which ended his season after one match, and now this – a six-month ban and a Dh200,000 fine for spitting at a referee.
Will he play again? At 31, he could. Given his history of rage, he should not.
poberjuerge@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
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Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
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Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
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- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
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Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
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“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
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1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
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What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
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- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
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