Football Association (FA) officials will advise English clubs that players must avoid a specific phrase on social media. The phrase “from the river to the sea” is a common expression in support of Palestinian nationalism. Not only did the FA ban the use of the phrase, but the organization also said it would “seek advice from the police” if a player posts the phrase supporting Palestine in the future.
The move by the sport’s governing body comes after Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury posted the phrase on X. The 26-year-old versatile midfielder has since deleted the post and released a statement on the situation. “My intention was and is not to offend anyone, but simply to show compassion to the innocent people who are suffering,” Choudhury wrote.
Leicester City also made an official statement on the situation. The club claimed to have met with Choudhury and explained how some might be offended by the phrase.
“We discussed the matter with Hamza and shared our concern that opinions expressed in this manner – without sufficient context on a deeply nuanced and sensitive topic – are subject to misinterpretations that risk unintentional offending.” declared the club.
The governing body “strongly encourages” players to avoid this phrase
However, the FA prohibits professional footballers in England from using the expression. “After careful consideration, we will be writing to all clubs to clarify that this phrase is considered offensive to many and should not be used by players in social media posts. » read a statement from the FA.
“The player apologized and deleted the tweet. We strongly encourage clubs to ensure that players do not post content that could be offensive or inflammatory to any community. »
“If this phrase is used again by a football player we will seek advice from the police on how we should deal with it and respond.”
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Palestine-friendly player avoids penalty as clubs await FA advice
The FA’s statement comes as English clubs are frustrated by the lack of guidance regarding the situation. Sports Mail previously claimed earlier in the week that the FA’s relative silence had annoyed teams across the English pyramid. These English clubs also felt they needed official advice on how to deal with similar situations.
According to the report, clubs held private meetings with their players to discuss shunned social media posts on the subject. These teams informed their players that they should avoid possible sanctions by refusing to take a position on the conflict.
Choudhury escaped sanctions from the FA and Leicester City over the deleted post. The latest social media post is not the only time the former England U21 international has publicly supported Palestine. Choudhury has already celebrated his club’s 2021 FA Cup triumph against Chelsea waving a Palestinian flag.
Choudhury will now be available to play against Leeds United Friday, November 3. The crucial match features Championship leaders Leicester hosting third-placed Whites. Both clubs were relegated from premier league in May.
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