12 October 2023 , 17:30
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England vice-captain Moeen Ali appears to have signalled his support for Palestine in a social media post that included their flag, before reposting the same message with the flag removed.
The change in Moeen’s post may have come amid fears of a backlash, but the all rounder, currently in Delhi, has long brought attention to the Palestinian cause, wearing ‘Free Gaza’ wristbands on the field in a Test match back in 2014.
The post from Moeen while he is in India for the World Cup included a quote from Malcolm X saying: “If you're not careful the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”
Moeen is not the only sportsperson to have shown some kind of support for the people of Palestine with Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan dedicating their win over Sri Lanka to them in a social media post reading: “This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza.”
Moeen is one of the most recognisable Muslim faces in British sport and he recently talked openly about his career and the concerns he had about displaying his faith at a time when wider society was dealing with the narrative of Muslim extremism.
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The worsening situation in Israel and Gaza is one that has touched many of those involved at the World Cup and has been talked about in the England dressing room.
Fellow Brummie Chris Woakes said: “Moeen's going OK. Naturally, when things like this happen around the world, sometimes as cricketers you can be very caught up in your own world.
“Obviously, we're in a busy World Cup. But at the same time, it puts perspective on the game. It is a very complex and delicate situation.
“Mo's fine. There's obviously been a little bit of chat, and we realise what's going on there is terrible and horrific. Mo's certainly got the backing of the group here. We're a very tight-knit group.” Mirror Sport has contacted Moeen Ali for comment.