What can one say about the war in the Middle East?: Football searches for words for the tragedy

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War, terror, retaliation, deaths, massacres, fear, violence, suffering… the Middle East is shaking and the world is out of control. The conflict between Israel and Palestine is complex – not only since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the then ‘Palestine War’. Or is it correct to say ‘Israeli War of Independence’? What can you say and what can’t you say?

What needs to be said is that terror can never be a solution and must be condemned without any ifs or buts. Hamas’ despicable actions in recent days have brought this unresolved conflict back into the center of global attention. Probably not for the better for Ukrainians, who are currently being pushed out of the media spotlight, which is bad when global solidarity and aid are so urgently needed.

Football players on thin ice

And we, who can only watch? As we stand there and rub our eyes, we can only imagine the suffering being inflicted on the people and yet to come: the innocent civilian population on all sides. But what should you say and what shouldn’t you say? Which questions are legitimate? Like these? Why does the West react so cautiously with criticism, even though the people in Gaza are now completely cut off – including food, water and electricity? Is it permissible to respond to inhuman suffering with inhuman suffering?

Many people want to express their condolences and often do so through their social channels. Football players are no exception. But everyone is walking on very thin ice.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, a 26-year-old Ukrainian defender for Arsenal, expressed his solidarity with Israel in an Instagram story a few days ago. Zinchenko, this is the man who, 16 months ago, appeared before the media in tears during Ukraine’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland and spoke of the horrors of war in his home country and of the irrepressible desire for peace.

Shitstorm against Arsenal professional

A very emotional performance that showed what a great burden the Ukrainian footballers carry with them when they enter the stadium. Now Zinchenko has also commented on the war in the Middle East. “I stand with Israel,” was the quote the player shared in his Instagram story. A nasty shitstorm ensued, resulting in the player setting his account to ‘private’ and deleting the story.

Other footballers have also spoken out politically about this conflict: two years ago, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah and Mesut Özil called for an end to violence in the region. And on Monday, Aissa Laidouni (26) also spoke. The Tunisian player from Bundesliga club Union Berlin. He shared a photo on Instagram showing the Palestinian flag and praying hands. “What does he want to tell us with that?” asked Bild newspaper. This message also provoked strong reactions.

Schalke player Yusuf Kabadayi (19) publishes a photo with Palestinian flags, raised fists and the sentence: “I support Palestine”. The Bild newspaper also reported on this. The Insta posts of the two footballers have now disappeared and Kabadayi publicly apologized: “That was thoughtless. I just wish that both sides can live peacefully. My condolences to all the victims. I am against war and any form of oppression. I am Muslim and we do not stand for violence or terror. I support the innocent Muslims and all those who suffered in this war.”

English association solves dilemma

Political positioning? A difficult undertaking for athletes when they are in the public eye and have to take on the role of an impeccable role model. Maybe we should tell the young players that this is not a good idea, regardless of direction, if you don’t want to be the target of attacks. But it is not only football players who show their colours, clubs and associations also show this from time to time.

In 2022, the English association illuminated Wembley Stadium in the national colors of Ukraine. Despite demands from politicians, decision makers have now refrained from making a similar gesture. For Friday night’s friendly against Australia, all players will wear black mourning bands around their arms and a minute’s silence will be observed, but the stadium will not be lit in Israeli colors.

Ban on Israeli and Palestinian flags

The same applies to England’s European Championship qualifier against Italy on Tuesday. In addition, Israeli and Palestinian flags are not allowed at Wembley. The background seems clear: you don’t want to turn the stadium into a political place and you don’t want to burn your fingers on the sensitive issue.

But it’s about the many dead civilians on both sides. Sport cannot hold back in the face of this human tragedy. “We commemorate the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine,” the English association statement says in a balanced manner. “We stand for humanity and an end to death, violence, fear and suffering.” We can only agree with these words.

Source : Blick