Wow this seems crazy. Is that a No Let? At 9:43-9:45 you can clearly see asal's hand pushing of ali from the front when he is going in for the lunge and it knocks him off balance. At 9:54-9:55 if you slow it down you see Asal's hand flopping to Ali's pelvic region and leg. WTH!
I keep telling everyone that he’s a cheat and the fanboys won’t have it. He’s just getting more subtle with it now that’s all and the PSA doesn’t want to admit that after all their fanfairing about how’s he’s changed, that their “disciplining” didn’t work. And it’s nothing to do with age as all the apologists would have you believe…Ramy was young and successful, didn’t cheat. Jansher was young and successful, didn’t cheat. It’s character, not age. When Farag, who’s one of the fairest players to ever play on tour, stops like that - well, we all know full well there was a reason why
you can trick everyone with regular speed, the guy became a master. But if you slow down the video, you can see all the unnatural movements typical of someone performing a deliberate action
10:29 Willstrops face says it all. All his work wasted in one moment of desperation by his player. The poor behaviour runs so deep. He may just have to give up.
9:54 that was a CROTCH grab (not hand grab). Why do you think Farag stopped and had a wry smile on his face. That’s a new one. Not saying that asal aimed for his crotch, but that’s exactly where his hand landed.
Right when it seems like we have an all-time classic, right when it seems like he's turned the corner (and I praised him for it), Asal puts his hand out and checks the casing on Farag's bratwurst on match point. And this after he deliberately ran into Farag's hitting lane at 9:18. Sigh. The PSA isn't going to do anything either, because he's working with the Great British Hero Willstrop and this was a showcase match for how well he's moved on. Going to be a rough Olympics.
You are seeing problems when there are none. Asal has the right to return to the T after shot, and yet gave adequate room to Farag to play the ball after following it. Asal cannot go to corner
I disagree and think this is a textbook violation of rule 8.11. How exactly was Ali supposed to hit anything to the right of the British Open logo given where Asal was? Asal hit a bad shot; it was way too hard and he wasn't ready for the ricochet off the back wall, and then he started drifting back into the middle of the court like the ball wasn't coming right at him. Even worse, he started hopping into Farag's line during Farag's backswing after he saw Ali wasn't calling for a let. You don't have a right to the T if the T is between the ball and the front wall; in that case, you DO have to clear to one side, even after turning.
@@imkuldeep you do NOT have a right to return to the T after your shot. You should not impede your opponent. i do not think that was the case here, but Asal grabbed Ali’s bratwurst for sure at matchpoint.
@@imkuldeep there is no "right to return to the T" - that's not a rule in squash. The defending player has no right to any part of the court, only the responsibility to clear for the striking player.
'it's minimal' when the commentators like the player creating the interference - anyone who plays Squash will be able to tell you sincerely that if he/she is going in to play the ball & suddenly feels a hand pushing them off their path, will be like; 'what was that?' it throws you off your approach and planned shot in that instant - one can make the argument that Ali should've gone through to play the ball, but by the same logic one can argue that why should he if he feels his path and shot were impeded? the rule exists in the first place because of 'interference' and this is just that; interference either you block this practice completely to have a fairer playing atmosphere, or deem it completely legal, so that every pro can incorporate this trick into their playbook - and the fact that this is not seen as a problem, even with the aide of slo mo replays, is frankly quite embarrassing for a 'professional' sport - it is one thing to have given the decision already and then be caught wanting upon review, but to actually forward this to the video ref for reviewing and decision making & still not getting a decent judgement; is just.... that too on match ball, the least that could have been done is to replay the point with clear instructions/warning from the referee (especially in the light of freshly reviewed slo mo footage) I don't know man, the sport is not in good hands with such officiating
I'm more concerned because to me it looks like the grab started in the sensitive area.... If anyone used their hand anywhere near there on purpose (which it definitely looks like here), stopping would have been the minimal/least thing I would have done...... That is just outrageous.
I didn't watch the women's final, but there was nothing wrong with the match ball on the men's final. So much talent in this match. I like both players and thought that Farag would win it all, but there was minimal to zero contact on the last point. Farag should have played through whatever he thought happened. Hats off to Asal for improving his game and maturing as a player as well.
I just watched the point again and I don't think there was any "grabbing" on Asal's part. Farag's body brushed into his hand while going towards the ball and then he just stopped. No dirty playing here, just bad luck and a poor decision from Farag to stop play.
he's been through many bans but there was no use, whenever there are high stakes he will just do it to secure the trophy. the punishment should be stepped up and he should be stripped of the title, else he will just keep doing this whenever the trophy is in sight. how about olympics 2028? securing the gold then getting a 5 month ban afterwards would still be absolutely worth it
Not trying to defend him but if you look at him play up and down the backhand wall he does that a lot of the time anyway, regardless of whather Farag is close or not. I won't lie it looks bad but either way Farag easily could have got the ball, I mean the second bounce was right infront of him so regardless of whether he was 'off balance' or not he could've easily played a shot - I think Farag stopped hoping to get Asal given a conduct stroke or something tbh.
@@shandy6002 Yeah but at 9:54 you can clearly see the hand go to the pelvis and then the leg. If you were playing squash and the opponent's hand touched your penis, you would stop as well.
@@shandy6002 Dunno why my other comment didn''t post but this is misrepresentation. If someone's hand touches my pelvic region during play in this way, I would stop as well, and so would most others.
Just when I was starting to believe that Asal had changed his ways, he does that on the final point and then to make matters worse, the ref give no let...🤯
It always seems like that as you said but the hand grab was beyond an iota of doubt so real. They're always close but no other player on the PSA or wsa(women tour )does anything remotely close to asal's tactics
The hate for Asal will just grow with that horrible grab on the match ball! This is a scandal! And that commentators are constantly cheering for Asal is just as bad. I am close to stop watching, I cannot stand the bought commentators!
PSA are desperate for him to clean his act up but that grab on match ball was blatant. Guess this happens when the promoters are the regulators are the governing body are the disciplinary committee all rolled up in one
My God, what babies all you Asal haters have become. The interference was absolutely MINIMAL. Farag had every opportunity to play the ball, but didn’t, choosing instead to whine like a baby to the refs. I’ve seen guys play through 10 times more interference than that. He could’ve played the ball, stupidly chose not to, and cost himself the match. End of story.
Asal is undeniably a talented player in the world of squash. His skills on the court are truly remarkable. However, it is important to acknowledge that his behavior and small actions can be quite dirty at times. If a sport like squash is led by such players, it could spell disaster for young athletes and the upcoming Olympic squash competitions.
Asal is a changed player this season. Calmer, more measured and less inclined to bend the rules. Hopefully he will become an even greater player in years to come.
Ive noticed that the commentators have tried to rehabilitate asal, even commentating on his maturity at one point earlier in the match. I dont like how the psa seems to back this character. Disappointing result, and not what i would want for the sport.
What a load of utter nonsense! Get your head out of your backside and grow up!!! It's sport. It's highly competitive. It's always been like this. All sport is pushed to the limits of performance and pushing the boundaries!!!!
@@chrispowell8043 What sport are you talking about? Have you ever heard of the words like sportsmanship and fair play? If you really think squash has been always like this, then your squash has no future. Who likes to watch a sport filled with subtle dirty tricks? That's not squash I know.
I'm sorry, but he has not changed at all. He is still as dirty as ever. Also, just look at James Wilstrop, his young charger has just won the most prestigious squash tournament in the world and James' face is like that. It says it all. Not even the slightest bit of a smile or joy at the 'win', he knew exactly what Asshale did.
Just when I thought he was moving past these antics, he does a subtle hand grab on match point. Worse than that, the ref lets him have it. What a disgraceful shame...
Just imagine yourself playing squash. If your opponent grabbed your thigh/hand/hip, would you stop? I think 100% of us would stop. This is just outright cheating. I have never been grabbed in 20 years of playing squash. Asal just created a new tactic: the hand of God.
No I’m sorry but people are exaggerating this. Yes he touches him but he has not grabbed him and Farag can play through that. These guys are good enough to get around.
Geez, that's a real bad look for squash. Referees did a shockingly bad job overlooking that grab on match point. Asal has form so they should have been aware and dealt with it. Instead, they looked the other way. Squash will pay if this isn't followed up.
At match ball on 5th game, Asal resorted to cheating again. Its his instint to hold opponents back, and thats what he did, even thoigh its so subtle. Bloody f* cheat ! And referee needs to be investigated for not punishing Asal with a conduct stroke ! Decisions like this hurt Squash
Soft interference and not intentional as I can see, it is common to use right hand out as a steer even when making backhand drop shots. Ali could get through if he really wanted to
@@fhussain44 Clear and blatant put off by Asal, period. He's done it in a number of different ways before why would he not do it again he's hit people in the head with the ball the man has had pretty bad sportsmanship all round.
Another hand defence from Asal in the last point. You can even see in the slow motion how much strength he pushed back with as the hand recoiled after Farag passed. Can't see why that goes unpunished...
That’s exactly right and I noticed it as well , if it was unintentional his hand would have just brushed off Farag , instead as you mentioned it “recoiled” after Farag passed , it’s so subtle that even FARAG himself didn’t really notice but felt something was wrong .. I don’t get it if we can see it on RUclips slow motion how come the video referee cant ?
We all saw the grab on match ball, but Asal also has the tendancy to give less than the bare minimum when clearing. In replay even it looks like hes moving in the right direction but he takes a half step instead of full and so his foot catches Farag. Happened a lot, most of the shots would be winners against most anyway (ASAL is a beast) but he really doesn't make an effort to get out of the way. Its as if he has learnt how to stay in the grey area. 3 months well spent i guess.
Aah... On the slow-mo replay I can see what Asal did. He uses his left hand to pull/push Farag and interfere with Farag's forward motion. Farag feels the pull and stops and asks for a let. The ref doesn't see Asal's pull and gives a No Let. Asal's move is too subtle. No ref can see that - it looks like nothing much...Asal cons the ref ... again.
Honestly I dont know how Asal can celebrate winning when he knows he pulled Ali and raised his knee in previous shot to stop Ali.. Ali raised it to referee but they said they saw nothing! I believe Ali's shots are way more superior than anyone else.. he is on different levels ethically and technically... He is one of the greatest players ever.. his winning games with huge gap in scoring proves my point.. Got feeling Ali was fed up in the last game with Moustafa's childesh way of playing .. Refs are not being fair enough.. commentators, you suck..
Disgraceful that that grab was not punished, and instead rewarded with a prestigious British Open title!! It had intent behind it and it was not just a normal 'clash' incident you would see during a squash match. Farag was totally justified in stopping play for such a blatant unprofessional attempt by his opponent to put him off! And what is this telling young squash players who are the future of the game?!! Red card offence....disgraceful!
Maybe Asal doesn’t know these games are recorded and we can all see him sticking his left hand out to hold Farag back. Disgusting! How are you proud of yourself?
Definitely a let, Asals hand contacted Ali not to mention his foot stepping slightly back and catching Ali's foot. Yes Asal is trying to clear however, Ali still should have clear passage to the ball. Bad call on match ball.
Shameful! You could see he tried to hold him. Farag is not that kind of player to pretend. Maybe he should have played the ball. It seems as if he was trying an easy way out
Honestly, I thought his match ball drop was quite harmless. I think it's definitely not as clear-cut as his previous offenses. Looking at Asal's play, his left-hand position is quite in line with his normal swing technique, and Farag just got a little caught. I agree with the referees that the ball was definitely playable by Farag and he should've just played it. Having been a competitive player myself, there's a level of interference that you just have to deal with. Yes, technically in the rule books you should be given a clear path to the ball, but inevitably you're going to get a slight bump sometimes. It's really, really frustrating, but it's unavoidable.
“A little caught”? Just look at how floppy Asal’s hand is most of the time and all of the sudden, without reason (his arm is close to his body), his hand stiffens up and grabs Farag’s bratwurst, then tries to stop his hand and shirt. Just like when he tried to stick his racket out in front of him and keep it there instead of moving it out of the way. This was deliberate.
I stopped watching squash because of Asal just over a year ago. Came back for one more try... and nothing has changed. Might try again some time in 2026.
The match seemed well contested and tight on the highlights but something doesn't add up on the last point. There is interference from Asal's left hand as he is recovering from the last backhand drop shot. There is an intent to hold the opponent back with the left hand. It is not minimal interference to say the least. Its surprising the referees didn't see it. If you are not looking for it specifically then it's very difficult to catch on video. But once you catch it you cannot unsee it. I have seen Asal do something similar before due to which he has received alot of condemnation in the past. Asal's history of such incidents is well documented. There is a whole Raging Bull documentary on it. Asal seemed to improve his overall level of play against Farag in the match by just enough that he was able to to deceive the referee on the last point and get away with that interference. I wonder how Farag reacted to the interference as the videomakers edited it out of the highlights. Farag has the calibre and is a strong enough player to make the adjustment for such tactics. It would be interesting to see how this contest would go in the future.
Another great match like the women's final, and another lamentable ending. Well done Mostafa Asal a good win in the end. The referees need to be put on notice, terrible stuff from them.
I don’t think I will ever like Asal. He is the very opposite of what sports represents. I don’t know how they did not see his hand action on the last point. Unbelievable.
I could never make it onto my college team because I felt bad trying to beat guys I had been eating dinner with for months. Fast forward senior year, I play in a club league and I beat Chip Lebowitz in an end of season casual game. Maybe he felt bad for me
Cardenas received stroke for staying in the center after playing very accurately ball from the center without any intentional blocking when playing his match ball vs NG and Asal taken No Let here. Big LOL for this kind of refereeing!
Gentlepeople please have a look at Asals left arm at every shot throughout the match. When at matchpoint Farag brushed by, Asals arm's movement is not that egregious. Dodgy, maybe for not giving way, but nowhere near "grabbing" like with Elias in his past.
Had to laugh at the Mick Todd name drop in the interview and James Wife Laughing. “First lesson with Mick Todd” lesson in what? How to prop up the bar at Ponte?
You just low vedeo speed at 10.4 he try to stop frag its insane and even in last point he tried to stop him it's totally unfair u can become big after these type of tactics
I think referees were probably constrained by the time in which they have to make the decision. They have to be fairly instantaneous about it. Even the video ones. But once the game goes online, and is observed over and over again, this is patently and most obviously a crotch grab for anyone. The best evidence for it is, (in my view) how Mustafa immediately denied it exactly right away. You can clearly see him raising hands and saying what did I do. That was a complete guilty plea. Like written all over him. Its like textbook psychology. But this also says why Squash is a sport with such nuance. The subtle (but 100% consequential) interference of this kind, is why a man to man combat like squash has to try extra hard to maintain its subtlety. Mustafa is a hacker, who has invaded and punctured the subtle aritfice of this sport. But it doesnt mean that the hacking cannot be stopped. He has been banned a couple of times, which is good. We have to be very very careful on this axis of interference. I personally think this match is a win for sport. The wry smile that Farag gave completely pulled off the curtain on Mostafas tactic. It was obvious that he knew what happened, and was ok with just being ok with it, and letting a younger opponent win, even if the act was malicious. He actually drew attention to this, in a very very powerful way. This match will be seen, his smile will be noticed, and we will all be better for it.
i have to watch it three times to see the subtle hand grab by Asal, thats pretty bad, Farag had to stop running as he is a straight man whom felt uncomfortable of another man touching him
Yep it wasn't the foot which was the issue, i assume the commentators were talking about that when they mentioned it was minimal. Asals stroking of farags loins with his wandering hand would be more than just distracting in just about any sport. Love ur game asal but u dont have to resort to disrespectful cheating stuff like this to win😢
Watch highlights of every glass court match on RUclips by becoming a channel member 👉 bit.ly/3Qp0RcJ
You guys forgot to upload the Farag vs Makin SF match to youtube.
Anyways i'm a member on your site, so i'll just watch it there :)
Why was asals interference not penalised in this final point?
@@cookesam6 The commentators said it was minimal interference, which i agree with.
@@cookesam6
Wow this seems crazy. Is that a No Let? At 9:43-9:45 you can clearly see asal's hand pushing of ali from the front when he is going in for the lunge and it knocks him off balance. At 9:54-9:55 if you slow it down you see Asal's hand flopping to Ali's pelvic region and leg. WTH!
They did a review of it and the refferee team deemed it fine
I keep telling everyone that he’s a cheat and the fanboys won’t have it. He’s just getting more subtle with it now that’s all and the PSA doesn’t want to admit that after all their fanfairing about how’s he’s changed, that their “disciplining” didn’t work.
And it’s nothing to do with age as all the apologists would have you believe…Ramy was young and successful, didn’t cheat. Jansher was young and successful, didn’t cheat. It’s character, not age.
When Farag, who’s one of the fairest players to ever play on tour, stops like that - well, we all know full well there was a reason why
you can trick everyone with regular speed, the guy became a master. But if you slow down the video, you can see all the unnatural movements typical of someone performing a deliberate action
Why did Farag congratulate him in the end?? I wouldn’t have Asal having done what he did
yes i see the subtle hand movement holding/nudging Ali Farag very suspicious!!!!
10:29 Willstrops face says it all. All his work wasted in one moment of desperation by his player. The poor behaviour runs so deep. He may just have to give up.
I saw that too. A proud coach would be applauding. A proud coach would celebrate an honest win. Willstrop looked ashamed as hell.
I reckon that would be the best course of action otherwise the guilt by association will start to be a bad cologne.
@@cookesam6 Willstrop is a class act, great player, great man. So sad for him to see this.
9:54 that was a CROTCH grab (not hand grab). Why do you think Farag stopped and had a wry smile on his face. That’s a new one. Not saying that asal aimed for his crotch, but that’s exactly where his hand landed.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
@@fhussain44 why you comment this exact text in every comment that mentions hand grabbing? Are you some kind of bot? :D
At 9:55 Asal has his hand on Farag's junk. Play it at 0.25 speed.
that was not "minimal" !!! - Asal pushed him back with his left hand - can't believe the video ref didn't see it......
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
"James Willstrop has had him doing the dishes" 🤣🤣🤣
“Very soft hands”. I’m totally stealing this.
Awesome commentary :D
Right when it seems like we have an all-time classic, right when it seems like he's turned the corner (and I praised him for it), Asal puts his hand out and checks the casing on Farag's bratwurst on match point. And this after he deliberately ran into Farag's hitting lane at 9:18. Sigh. The PSA isn't going to do anything either, because he's working with the Great British Hero Willstrop and this was a showcase match for how well he's moved on. Going to be a rough Olympics.
Gave farag enough space to hit at 9:18, you’re just looking for a problem with that one
You are seeing problems when there are none. Asal has the right to return to the T after shot, and yet gave adequate room to Farag to play the ball after following it. Asal cannot go to corner
I disagree and think this is a textbook violation of rule 8.11. How exactly was Ali supposed to hit anything to the right of the British Open logo given where Asal was? Asal hit a bad shot; it was way too hard and he wasn't ready for the ricochet off the back wall, and then he started drifting back into the middle of the court like the ball wasn't coming right at him. Even worse, he started hopping into Farag's line during Farag's backswing after he saw Ali wasn't calling for a let. You don't have a right to the T if the T is between the ball and the front wall; in that case, you DO have to clear to one side, even after turning.
@@imkuldeep you do NOT have a right to return to the T after your shot. You should not impede your opponent. i do not think that was the case here, but Asal grabbed Ali’s bratwurst for sure at matchpoint.
@@imkuldeep there is no "right to return to the T" - that's not a rule in squash. The defending player has no right to any part of the court, only the responsibility to clear for the striking player.
'it's minimal' when the commentators like the player creating the interference - anyone who plays Squash will be able to tell you sincerely that if he/she is going in to play the ball & suddenly feels a hand pushing them off their path, will be like; 'what was that?' it throws you off your approach and planned shot in that instant - one can make the argument that Ali should've gone through to play the ball, but by the same logic one can argue that why should he if he feels his path and shot were impeded? the rule exists in the first place because of 'interference' and this is just that; interference
either you block this practice completely to have a fairer playing atmosphere, or deem it completely legal, so that every pro can incorporate this trick into their playbook - and the fact that this is not seen as a problem, even with the aide of slo mo replays, is frankly quite embarrassing for a 'professional' sport - it is one thing to have given the decision already and then be caught wanting upon review, but to actually forward this to the video ref for reviewing and decision making & still not getting a decent judgement; is just.... that too on match ball, the least that could have been done is to replay the point with clear instructions/warning from the referee (especially in the light of freshly reviewed slo mo footage)
I don't know man, the sport is not in good hands with such officiating
I'm more concerned because to me it looks like the grab started in the sensitive area.... If anyone used their hand anywhere near there on purpose (which it definitely looks like here), stopping would have been the minimal/least thing I would have done...... That is just outrageous.
its such a disgrace!! that was deliberate and a pull. the referee is shameless for even allowing such.
@@Sipkeshiro fair point there - if that is indeed how he felt, then stopping is the absolute least of the reactional possibilities at hand
All of this based on your rather arrogant assumption that it was a stroke/ let, vs the opinion of multiple, professional, top tier referees.
@@jimmorrison4291he grabbed his junk lol. Don't see how that isn't a stroke
I was really thinking “wow Asal has grown up a lot and his time with Winstrop has ready varied his game.
Then 9:45…😅
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
The 2024 British Open is tainted by failure from the referee team on match ball in both the men’s and women’s finals.
I am not a ref, but Asal's hand didnt want to be lonely
I didn't watch the women's final, but there was nothing wrong with the match ball on the men's final. So much talent in this match. I like both players and thought that Farag would win it all, but there was minimal to zero contact on the last point. Farag should have played through whatever he thought happened. Hats off to Asal for improving his game and maturing as a player as well.
I just watched the point again and I don't think there was any "grabbing" on Asal's part. Farag's body brushed into his hand while going towards the ball and then he just stopped. No dirty playing here, just bad luck and a poor decision from Farag to stop play.
Asal attempted another hand grab during match ball. Not sure why the refs did not punish asal for that. Maybe another 3mth ban incoming?
he's been through many bans but there was no use, whenever there are high stakes he will just do it to secure the trophy. the punishment should be stepped up and he should be stripped of the title, else he will just keep doing this whenever the trophy is in sight. how about olympics 2028? securing the gold then getting a 5 month ban afterwards would still be absolutely worth it
I think he is just lonely...
Not trying to defend him but if you look at him play up and down the backhand wall he does that a lot of the time anyway, regardless of whather Farag is close or not. I won't lie it looks bad but either way Farag easily could have got the ball, I mean the second bounce was right infront of him so regardless of whether he was 'off balance' or not he could've easily played a shot - I think Farag stopped hoping to get Asal given a conduct stroke or something tbh.
@@shandy6002 Yeah but at 9:54 you can clearly see the hand go to the pelvis and then the leg. If you were playing squash and the opponent's hand touched your penis, you would stop as well.
@@shandy6002 Dunno why my other comment didn''t post but this is misrepresentation. If someone's hand touches my pelvic region during play in this way, I would stop as well, and so would most others.
Just when I was starting to believe that Asal had changed his ways, he does that on the final point and then to make matters worse, the ref give no let...🤯
My thought exactly. I was defending him again. Not anymore. What a shame.
Deliberate. Shouldn't be allowed to get away with that.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
How was the hand grab from Asal missed????
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
Looks like you missed it too haha
@@fhussain44 Asal stays in the line to the ball. How far around him must Farag run? Dirty play. (I believe he can win without these tactics).
8:50 the ol' retying of the shoe trick
Not again. Ban Asal before he does any more damage to our beloved sport.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
So this has become a t-shirt grabing game then? Refs retire already...
Anyone who thinks that last point isnt cheating, really doesnt unserstand sport. Karma will be Asals biggest problem, as hes got a lot coming his way!
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
On slow motion it is very apparent that he obstructed farag's movement undeniably. His reaction clearly shows that he was guilty of it
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
It always seems like that as you said but the hand grab was beyond an iota of doubt so real. They're always close but no other player on the PSA or wsa(women tour )does anything remotely close to asal's tactics
The hate for Asal will just grow with that horrible grab on the match ball! This is a scandal! And that commentators are constantly cheering for Asal is just as bad. I am close to stop watching, I cannot stand the bought commentators!
PSA are desperate for him to clean his act up but that grab on match ball was blatant. Guess this happens when the promoters are the regulators are the governing body are the disciplinary committee all rolled up in one
My God, what babies all you Asal haters have become. The interference was absolutely MINIMAL. Farag had every opportunity to play the ball, but didn’t, choosing instead to whine like a baby to the refs. I’ve seen guys play through 10 times more interference than that. He could’ve played the ball, stupidly chose not to, and cost himself the match. End of story.
Just because you hate him there should be consequences that should serve your hate...arrogance
Brilliantly skilled player but he’s a cheat No hate just my opinion
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
Asal is undeniably a talented player in the world of squash. His skills on the court are truly remarkable. However, it is important to acknowledge that his behavior and small actions can be quite dirty at times. If a sport like squash is led by such players, it could spell disaster for young athletes and the upcoming Olympic squash competitions.
I agree, with Asal, it's islamics wins, that's not fair nor play. All other deserve moe than him to be on top. Guess he won't find love easily.
Asal is a changed player this season. Calmer, more measured and less inclined to bend the rules. Hopefully he will become an even greater player in years to come.
Ive noticed that the commentators have tried to rehabilitate asal, even commentating on his maturity at one point earlier in the match. I dont like how the psa seems to back this character. Disappointing result, and not what i would want for the sport.
What a load of utter nonsense! Get your head out of your backside and grow up!!! It's sport. It's highly competitive. It's always been like this. All sport is pushed to the limits of performance and pushing the boundaries!!!!
@@chrispowell8043 What sport are you talking about? Have you ever heard of the words like sportsmanship and fair play? If you really think squash has been always like this, then your squash has no future. Who likes to watch a sport filled with subtle dirty tricks? That's not squash I know.
I can't believe they let him get away with that last one - ridiculous!
There was nothing wrong with that even they commentators were startled on watching the replay
@@fm1326 So was I because I was looking at the legs and body, look at Asal's left hand he swipes Farag's racquet hand.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
@@fhussain44you don't see what you don't want to see. There was a sneaky grab and he's done it before on camera.
I'm sorry, but he has not changed at all. He is still as dirty as ever. Also, just look at James Wilstrop, his young charger has just won the most prestigious squash tournament in the world and James' face is like that. It says it all. Not even the slightest bit of a smile or joy at the 'win', he knew exactly what Asshale did.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
"its minimal its minimal" my foot - shame on you @psasquash ( These guys who are selling this stupid behavior )
Yup. A minimal ban of 1 year sounds right.
Just when I thought he was moving past these antics, he does a subtle hand grab on match point. Worse than that, the ref lets him have it. What a disgraceful shame...
It was minimal though. Farag should have gone through and played the shot. He had a line to the ball
Just imagine yourself playing squash. If your opponent grabbed your thigh/hand/hip, would you stop? I think 100% of us would stop. This is just outright cheating. I have never been grabbed in 20 years of playing squash. Asal just created a new tactic: the hand of God.
No I’m sorry but people are exaggerating this. Yes he touches him but he has not grabbed him and Farag can play through that. These guys are good enough to get around.
Geez, that's a real bad look for squash. Referees did a shockingly bad job overlooking that grab on match point. Asal has form so they should have been aware and dealt with it. Instead, they looked the other way. Squash will pay if this isn't followed up.
At match ball on 5th game, Asal resorted to cheating again. Its his instint to hold opponents back, and thats what he did, even thoigh its so subtle. Bloody f* cheat ! And referee needs to be investigated for not punishing Asal with a conduct stroke ! Decisions like this hurt Squash
I'm genuinely shocked they called No Let. This is so bad for squash
Soft interference and not intentional as I can see, it is common to use right hand out as a steer even when making backhand drop shots. Ali could get through if he really wanted to
@@yvindsteen5353He still interfered with Farags movement which instantly triggers a let of as it was in this case enough to put him off which it did.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
@@fhussain44 Clear and blatant put off by Asal, period. He's done it in a number of different ways before why would he not do it again he's hit people in the head with the ball the man has had pretty bad sportsmanship all round.
Another hand defence from Asal in the last point. You can even see in the slow motion how much strength he pushed back with as the hand recoiled after Farag passed. Can't see why that goes unpunished...
Interestingly enough Asal does that on most of his back hands…even when his opponent is not there.
That’s exactly right and I noticed it as well , if it was unintentional his hand would have just brushed off Farag , instead as you mentioned it “recoiled” after Farag passed , it’s so subtle that even FARAG himself didn’t really notice but felt something was wrong .. I don’t get it if we can see it on RUclips slow motion how come the video referee cant ?
@@jms493nope, see how floppy his hand is most of the time, and all of the sudden the hand and fingers stay where they are. Blatant cheating.
it's at least a let but for me conduct stroke.
Asal is a disgrace to this sport! He showed his true color one more time! Meanwhile, Farag accepted the unfair decision like a champion!!
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
We all saw the grab on match ball, but Asal also has the tendancy to give less than the bare minimum when clearing. In replay even it looks like hes moving in the right direction but he takes a half step instead of full and so his foot catches Farag. Happened a lot, most of the shots would be winners against most anyway (ASAL is a beast) but he really doesn't make an effort to get out of the way. Its as if he has learnt how to stay in the grey area. 3 months well spent i guess.
You would be surprised on what you can see at 0.25 playback speed on that last point.... You should try it.
'This is minimal' spitting in the face of your opponent
Any contact where a player deliberately touches the other players groin 9:55 is not minimal. Its unsportsmanlike conduct.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
What an incredible match...!!
And what a non-sense the commentator did at score 10-11 in the fifth game (at 9:10 minutes).
Farag is just too nice. He should protest more
Hate to see one kid destroying that much beautiful sport..
Aah... On the slow-mo replay I can see what Asal did. He uses his left hand to pull/push Farag and interfere with Farag's forward motion. Farag feels the pull and stops and asks for a let. The ref doesn't see Asal's pull and gives a No Let. Asal's move is too subtle. No ref can see that - it looks like nothing much...Asal cons the ref ... again.
Honestly I dont know how Asal can celebrate winning when he knows he pulled Ali and raised his knee in previous shot to stop Ali.. Ali raised it to referee but they said they saw nothing!
I believe Ali's shots are way more superior than anyone else.. he is on different levels ethically and technically... He is one of the greatest players ever.. his winning games with huge gap in scoring proves my point..
Got feeling Ali was fed up in the last game with Moustafa's childesh way of playing ..
Refs are not being fair enough.. commentators, you suck..
It's beyond pathetic hey. Just unbelievable that he could be raised in a way that amount to this. It's just strange.
10:05 Asal holds onto Farag
Disgraceful that that grab was not punished, and instead rewarded with a prestigious British Open title!! It had intent behind it and it was not just a normal 'clash' incident you would see during a squash match. Farag was totally justified in stopping play for such a blatant unprofessional attempt by his opponent to put him off! And what is this telling young squash players who are the future of the game?!! Red card offence....disgraceful!
Hey just grab your opponent=win
Maybe Asal doesn’t know these games are recorded and we can all see him sticking his left hand out to hold Farag back. Disgusting! How are you proud of yourself?
Definitely a let, Asals hand contacted Ali not to mention his foot stepping slightly back and catching Ali's foot.
Yes Asal is trying to clear however, Ali still should have clear passage to the ball.
Bad call on match ball.
Dreadfull call on match ball. Asal should be banned
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
Shameful! You could see he tried to hold him. Farag is not that kind of player to pretend. Maybe he should have played the ball. It seems as if he was trying an easy way out
It is clear Asal grabbed Farag on the last point
Honestly, I thought his match ball drop was quite harmless. I think it's definitely not as clear-cut as his previous offenses. Looking at Asal's play, his left-hand position is quite in line with his normal swing technique, and Farag just got a little caught. I agree with the referees that the ball was definitely playable by Farag and he should've just played it. Having been a competitive player myself, there's a level of interference that you just have to deal with. Yes, technically in the rule books you should be given a clear path to the ball, but inevitably you're going to get a slight bump sometimes. It's really, really frustrating, but it's unavoidable.
“A little caught”? Just look at how floppy Asal’s hand is most of the time and all of the sudden, without reason (his arm is close to his body), his hand stiffens up and grabs Farag’s bratwurst, then tries to stop his hand and shirt. Just like when he tried to stick his racket out in front of him and keep it there instead of moving it out of the way. This was deliberate.
Well, to some extent it takes class to play dirty so subtly that even the video ref waves it away as minor interference. But it sucks majorly.
Farag is too close to him and runs into his follow through. I don't see any intentional grabbing
@@fhussain44 Ah, so it is unintentional grabbing. Wonder if he tries to pull that off in nightclubs.
Appreciate the upload, but the controversy on the last point made me click a 👎😞
I stopped watching squash because of Asal just over a year ago. Came back for one more try... and nothing has changed. Might try again some time in 2026.
Womp womp just dont watch him you say that while you lay in your bed and he goes threw all that hard work
Great match and totally ruined by asal hand grab why that was not a conduct stroke is astonishing.
The match seemed well contested and tight on the highlights but something doesn't add up on the last point.
There is interference from Asal's left hand as he is recovering from the last backhand drop shot. There is an intent to hold the opponent back with the left hand. It is not minimal interference to say the least. Its surprising the referees didn't see it.
If you are not looking for it specifically then it's very difficult to catch on video. But once you catch it you cannot unsee it.
I have seen Asal do something similar before due to which he has received alot of condemnation in the past. Asal's history of such incidents is well documented. There is a whole Raging Bull documentary on it.
Asal seemed to improve his overall level of play against Farag in the match by just enough that he was able to to deceive the referee on the last point and get away with that interference. I wonder how Farag reacted to the interference as the videomakers edited it out of the highlights.
Farag has the calibre and is a strong enough player to make the adjustment for such tactics.
It would be interesting to see how this contest would go in the future.
Wow one of the best five sets finale! - enjoyed that spectacle guys! Congrats Asal 🎉
I am Egyptian and what Asal did in 9:40 we call it in Egypt بعبوص
Another great match like the women's final, and another lamentable ending. Well done Mostafa Asal a good win in the end. The referees need to be put on notice, terrible stuff from them.
I don’t think I will ever like Asal. He is the very opposite of what sports represents.
I don’t know how they did not see his hand action on the last point. Unbelievable.
Match point gives new meaning to “play the ball”
It's like spoiling a plate of caviar by dropping a dog turd into the last mouthful.
The refereeing has been scandalous. Asal's hand is clear and he should have been whistled. It is not the first time it happens.
Farag should report this grab harassment to PSA HR
Wow, what an amazing match from these two great talented players, one of the best matches from a long time 👍🏻👍🏻
What was that celebration at the end?
I could never make it onto my college team because I felt bad trying to beat guys I had been eating dinner with for months. Fast forward senior year, I play in a club league and I beat Chip Lebowitz in an end of season casual game. Maybe he felt bad for me
Cardenas received stroke for staying in the center after playing very accurately ball from the center without any intentional blocking when playing his match ball vs NG and Asal taken No Let here. Big LOL for this kind of refereeing!
Gentlepeople please have a look at Asals left arm at every shot throughout the match. When at matchpoint Farag brushed by, Asals arm's movement is not that egregious. Dodgy, maybe for not giving way, but nowhere near "grabbing" like with Elias in his past.
Both asal and the referee are ejected.
Intense match!
Christ that was great!
Had to laugh at the Mick Todd name drop in the interview and James Wife Laughing. “First lesson with Mick Todd” lesson in what? How to prop up the bar at Ponte?
Oh dear bless you. You seem to live in fantasy world full of roses and butterflies. Get a grip.
Completely disagree with the no let at 3:19
So ashamed by the validation from the referee. How Squash could ever be a great sport with this type of behavior and a blind referee.
Just OMG.. Is it okay to olympic..?
On the last point Asal grabbed his shirt!
Really unsportsman like attitude time and again from Asal...
Bullshit decision at match ball. There was contact/interference sufficient to merit a let at the very least.
extremely disappointed in Asal's unsporting behaviour, thought I found one sport without crap like this.
What shoes is Asal wearing? It seems his contract with Eye has ended but I've never seen this model before
Teuton All Court-AC1
Hand grab v obvious on replay. It's not good sportsmanship....
Squash not a gentlemen's game anymore!
You just low vedeo speed at 10.4 he try to stop frag its insane and even in last point he tried to stop him it's totally unfair u can become big after these type of tactics
I think referees were probably constrained by the time in which they have to make the decision. They have to be fairly instantaneous about it. Even the video ones. But once the game goes online, and is observed over and over again, this is patently and most obviously a crotch grab for anyone. The best evidence for it is, (in my view) how Mustafa immediately denied it exactly right away. You can clearly see him raising hands and saying what did I do. That was a complete guilty plea. Like written all over him. Its like textbook psychology. But this also says why Squash is a sport with such nuance. The subtle (but 100% consequential) interference of this kind, is why a man to man combat like squash has to try extra hard to maintain its subtlety. Mustafa is a hacker, who has invaded and punctured the subtle aritfice of this sport. But it doesnt mean that the hacking cannot be stopped. He has been banned a couple of times, which is good. We have to be very very careful on this axis of interference. I personally think this match is a win for sport. The wry smile that Farag gave completely pulled off the curtain on Mostafas tactic. It was obvious that he knew what happened, and was ok with just being ok with it, and letting a younger opponent win, even if the act was malicious. He actually drew attention to this, in a very very powerful way. This match will be seen, his smile will be noticed, and we will all be better for it.
As always Asal can not play like a gentleman, it is clear how hi catch Farag with his hand.... Unlike Farag a true gentleman always....
and the step forward at 9mins.....
i have to watch it three times to see the subtle hand grab by Asal, thats pretty bad, Farag had to stop running as he is a straight man whom felt uncomfortable of another man touching him
Asal is mean man. He should never has been allowed to play squash.
Asal's hand was grabbing Farag and it distracted him .... this is disgusting
These wrong referee decisions are annoying
He got in the way of Farags swinging motion... COME ON
Fucking brilliant
pathetic refreeing
Asal needs to go
Asal means honey. What the bees make.
ASSAL WINNERRRRRRR !!!!!! YEAH
He is a cheater, period!!
A clear hold - what woeful officiating.
Shirt grab = not minimal!!
oh no..why he?
Yep it wasn't the foot which was the issue, i assume the commentators were talking about that when they mentioned it was minimal. Asals stroking of farags loins with his wandering hand would be more than just distracting in just about any sport. Love ur game asal but u dont have to resort to disrespectful cheating stuff like this to win😢
The 2 worst behaving players, Asal and Gohar, winning the British Open, feels bad man😢