Premier League clubs are reportedly ‘irritated’ by the lack of guidance from the Football Association on how to advise stars wanting to make public statements about the Israel-Hamas war. The devastating conflict in the Middle East has split dressing rooms over the last month, but clubs remain unsure how far players can go with their messages.
It is claimed that the FA is ‘dragging its heels’ over investigating Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury over a pro-Palestine post he shared. Choudhury, who is of Bangladeshi-Grenadian descent, shared a post on X that read: “From river to sea…”
The message is associated with Palestinian nationalism. Choudhury also shared an emoji depicting the Palestinian flag.
But clubs are unsure how to address situations in which their players harbour strong views on the ongoing conflict. In a perceived absence of clear guidance from the FA, clubs are reportedly taking it upon themselves to hold internal presentations to players.
READ MORE: Leicester’s Choudhury issues apology over Palestine post as FA could ‘intervene'[LATEST]
According to the Daily Mail, clubs are holding talks with players on how to avoid landing themselves in trouble with the authorities over public statements in relation to the Israel-Hamas war.
It is alleged that clubs believe the FA and Premier League are reluctant to provide official guidance out of fear of dictating to players and clubs about their personal messages. Kick It Out, football’s anti-discrimination organisation, has urged players to show ‘caution’.
Choudhury, who paraded the Palestinian flag at Wembley after Leicester won the FA Cup in 2021, insists his message has been misinterpreted. However, the FA may decide that the 26-year-old has a case to answer.
“I want to address my earlier post which has unfortunately been misinterpreted,” Choudhury said. “It was not and is not my intention to cause offence to anyone but simply to show my compassion for innocent people that are suffering. I’m sorry for any offence this has caused.”
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Leicester said in their own statement: “We have discussed the matter with Hamza, and shared our concern that views expressed in this manner – without sufficient context on a deeply nuanced and sensitive topic – are open to misinterpretation which risks unintentional offence.”
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas has now entered a second month after the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7. This week, the Palestinian death toll surpassed 8,000, of which the Gaza Health Ministry claims 40 per cent are children.
Israel says that 1,400 of its population have died since the start of Hamas’ initial attack and the ongoing rocket fire from Gaza.
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