Khaberni - The Iraqi Media and Communications Authority has suspended the broadcast of the program "Studio Al-Jamahir", which is presented by sports journalist Hayder Zaki on the "Al-Nahrain" satellite channel, for fifteen days, after one of its episodes witnessed severe arguments among guests that escalated into an open fight on live air, amidst the use of phrases described as "degraded" and inappropriate gestures.
The authority explained in an official statement that the decision was taken in application of the media broadcasting rules, confirming that the program exceeded the boundaries of media professionalism by broadcasting content that conflicts with the values of public taste and distorts the image of Iraqi sports media.
The authority also issued an official warning to the "Al-Nahrain" channel due to what happened in one of the episodes aired on October 8.
The controversial episode witnessed a sharp argument between sports analyst Dhiaa Hussein and former star Riyad Abdul Abbas, which escalated into an exchange of accusations and harsh phrases on air, amidst attempts by the presenter Hayder Zaki to contain the situation.
Some local reports suggested that the discussion almost turned into a physical altercation, before the episode was abruptly ended.
The incident has sparked a wide wave of debate on social media, where followers expressed their displeasure with the excessive emotional outbreaks in Iraqi programs, calling for more stringent regulations that preserve the image of local media.
Others believed that the incident reveals escalating tension in the Iraqi football scene and a division of opinions among analysts and former players.
