Palestine is not competing in the World Cup. They have nothing to do with the tournament, but that didn’t stop Egypt coach Hossam Hassan from making his team’s win against Australia politically divisive by waving a Palestinian flag on the pitch.
The video of Hassan went viral on social media with people chanting “Free, free Palestine!” in the background.
Following their victory via penalty kicks, Hassan said he was dedicating the win to the “good and noble” Egyptian and Palestinian people.
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“My heart and soul are with them,” he added in his post-match interview. “I dedicate this victory to the Palestinians. May Allah grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs.”
Earlier in the tournament, while I was watching the USA’s final group-stage match against Turkey, I noticed a Palestinian flag. So I asked a simple question: Why in the world would a Palestinian flag be allowed?
Palestine has nothing to do with the World Cup. It’s overtly political. It’s divisive. There’s obviously a double standard because Israeli flags have been banned from matches, but Palestinian flags have been seen many times throughout the tournament.
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FIFA has yet to make a public statement or respond to any media requests regarding this incident.
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Egypt is set to play Lionel Messi and Argentina in their round of 16 match on Tuesday in Atlanta.