Mohamed Elneny shows Palestine support two years after backlash from fans

12 October 2023 , 07:59

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Mohamed Elneny has shown his support for Palestine (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has caused controversy by putting the Palestinian flag as his profile picture on social media.

Israel are embroiled in a violent war with Hamas, a terrorist group currently governing the Gaza Strip of the Palestinian territories. The conflict was triggered by Hamas' surprise attack on Israel last Saturday, which saw hundreds of innocent civilians killed.

At least 1,200 people have died as a result of Hamas' attack, which has been condemned by the Conservatives and Labour. Israel have launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip in retaliation, killing more than 1,200 people and displacing thousands of others.

The UK government has asked sporting bodies to "appropriately" reference the Israel-Hamas War. Arsenal held urgent talks with sponsors when Elneny showed his support for Palestine in 2021 - the last time there was a major conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Elneny's support for Palestine comes after his Arsenal team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko shared a post on Instagram that read: "I stand with Israel." Zinchenko faced a backlash and made his Instagram account, which has 2.5million followers, private.

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Arsenal's sponsors The Lavazza Group "immediately" reached out to Arsenal in 2021 when Elneny offered his "heart", "soul" and "support" to Palestine. There's a good chance the Gunners will be forced to speak to their sponsors again after Elneny's latest actions.

Mirror Sport understands around 30 athletes from across football, cricket rugby have held a meeting over the Israel-Hamas War. They have warned colleagues to stay off social media and would like to see tributes to all of those who have lost their lives.

Elneny's new Instagram profile picture

Some Muslim and Arab athletes will refuse to compete if respect isn't shown for the Palestinians lost in the conflict. A source told Mirror Sport: "Over 950 people died in Gaza and 1000 people died in Israel. Every single civilian life is a tragedy and must be mourned.

"Why would we have a minute’s silence for the Israelis, but not the Palestinian people who are also suffering? None of the players are against a minute’s silence for the victims of war. Why would we be? But we have a voice and we won’t be silent on this."

The Football Association is unlikely to light up the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag amid fears of a backlash from some communities. Pro-Palestinian protesters have taken to the streets in various cities to make their feelings known in recent days.

The FA will instead convey a message of peace and unity before England's friendly against Australia at Wembley on Friday evening. Gareth Southgate's side take on European champions Italy at the same venue on Tuesday evening in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Tom Blow