Johan Derksen is in on Monday The the Dutch Summer became embroiled in a heated discussion with Nordin Amrabat, who has been playing for the Saudi Arabian Al-Nassr since 2018. Derksen calls it ‘primitive’ that the 34-year-old attacker has signed a contract in a country where human rights are violated. Amrabat defends itself by stating that the human rights situation in the country is not as bad as people think.
“I think people who spend a lot of money in countries where human rights are violated are primitive. You don’t do that,” Derksen opens his attack. “These human rights are not so bad these days,” Amrabat responds. “What I experience up close in Saudi Arabia…” Derksen interrupts his conversation partner. “Come, come… you’re in the ‘rich people bubble’. Do you think a country where homosexuality is banned and where there are severe penalties, a normal country?”
Amrabat does not want to give a direct answer to that. “That’s politics. I want to distance myself from that. Now it’s getting too hot under my feet. Look, what I can say: I live there. It’s very safe, a nice country to live in. Women’s rights … what you all say it’s all wrong: when you go to a restaurant you almost only see women. They do what they want. What else do you want to know?”
“I wonder: you as a football player… You are going to Saudi Arabia. Have you googled Amnesty International, what is happening there in that country?”, Derksen asks Amrabat. “I didn’t do that. I saw my contract and thought: where should I sign?” Amrabat smiles, who can count on little approval from Derksen. “I think that’s very superficial and naive. Then you don’t have the right to talk about this.”
Derksen adds that he does not think it is possible to get started ‘in countries where people are still stoned and hanged in a market square’. Amrabat defends himself by saying: “That doesn’t happen in Saudi Arabia anymore, I checked.” The Moroccan international has been playing in Saudi Arabia since 2018. In 2019, 37 men were executed simultaneously in the country, of which at least 2 were publicly displayed on a pole, says Amnesty International. “Because of the deterrent effect that emanates,” it sounded from the Saudi Arabian government.
Amrabat outlines his situation in Saudi Arabia. “You talk about people from third world countries who come to help there. I also have someone who lives with me. He helps me with cooking… But she is very happy that she earns money every month. Her family lives in Bangladesh. She sends the money to her children and grandchildren. They can go to school, dress themselves. You say things about third world countries, but those people are very happy that they can work, and that they can help their families in Bangladesh.”
Derksen points out to Amrabat that workers from third world countries in Qatar are treated like slaves. “I can’t deny that,” responds the attacker, who has left Al-Nassr transfer-free, but is still considering a contract proposal from the club. “But what are you going to do? You always say: you have to boycott, make statements… Shall I say something: I’m done with those boycotts. the Dutch boycott you, they make statements against Qatar… just play football, you are a footballer. Focus on football, that’s the most important.”