Saudis miss out in a thrilling finale
There was heartbreak for the Saudi Arabia team in the final of Exeter City FC’s annual diversity football tournament held on Sunday 9th June at the University of Exeter.
The Saudis battled back to level three times in a 4-4 draw with local Exeter side Cronies. But it was the Cronies, led by Player Manager and Exeter City fan Matt Webb, who edged the penalty shoot-out 3-2. The Saudis had the consolation of winning the Fran Jenkin Fair Play award.
12 teams took part, with the Cronies reaching the final after beating Palestine United 2-1 in the semi-final. The Saudis beat the Devon African Community 3-1 at the same stage.
The competition encourages participation from local black and minority ethnic teams and attracts players from many different parts of the world. This year’s event also attracted players from Spain, Poland, Afghanistan and Iran as well as the Devon Lions, the local gay friendly football club.
The tournament was organised by Exeter City’s One Game One Community group and supported by the University of Exeter, who hosted the event, Exeter City Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon FA, Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, Exeter City Football in the Community Trust, Open Space International FC and Tesco.
The tournament was launched by Mark Overton, University deputy vice-chancellor alongside Cllr Rob Hannaford (Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter) Chris Eastwood (Exeter Police Superintendent) and Laurence Overend (Chair of Exeter City Supporters’ Trust and Director of Exeter City).
One Game One Community is part of the national Kick it Out campaign which aims to address all types of discrimination in football including race, disability, gender, age, religion and sexual orientation.
Martin Weiler, of Exeter City’s One Game One Community group, said: “This is the ninth tournament we have held and it continues to be a great festival of football with a real international flavour. Yet again Exeter City has flown the flag for equality and diversity in football and the local community.”