Amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has sent a heartfelt message ahead of Christmas. The Egyptian has already scored 12 goals in the Premier League for the club, helping them to second place in the league, just a point behind leaders Arsenal.
Salah scored the equalising goal for Liverpool in the game against Arsenal on Saturday that ended 1-1, leaving the race for the top spot in the league still very much alive. Salah has made no secret of his views on the ongoing war in the middle east, and he did so again in a touching Christmas message.
“Christmas is a time when families get together and celebrate. With the brutal war going on in the Middle East, especially the death and destruction in Gaza, this year we get to Christmas with very heavy hearts and we share the pain of those families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Please do not forget them and do not get used to their suffering. Merry Christmas,” Salah wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of his Christmas tree.
Salah’s message comes at a time when the cricketing world is divided over ICC’s decision to deny Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja’s wish to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. ICC did not allow Khawaja to display any symbol supporting the human rights of the Palestinians in Gaza, leading to criticism from ex-cricketers and Khawaja’s teammates.
Now with Salah coming out to talk about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, will the sporting bodies around the world be a little lenient in letting sportspersons display message of peace? The chances are bleak.