{"id":297857,"date":"2023-11-01T18:24:26","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T18:24:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/?p=297857"},"modified":"2023-11-01T18:24:26","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T18:24:26","slug":"fa-urges-extreme-caution-over-comments-on-the-middle-east-conflict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/soccer\/fa-urges-extreme-caution-over-comments-on-the-middle-east-conflict\/","title":{"rendered":"FA urges 'extreme caution' over comments on the\u00a0Middle East conflict"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Football Association has ordered clubs to advise their players and staff to exercise \u2018extreme caution\u2019 when publicly commenting on the Middle East conflict.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Wednesday, English football\u2019s governing body revealed its intention to write to clubs to inform them the use of the specific phrase \u2018from the river to the sea\u2019 – that has strong pro-Palestine connotations – is now banned.<\/p>\n
The FA has now sent the guidance to clubs and Mail Sport<\/span> can reveal the document\u2019s contents.<\/p>\n The letter, sent to club secretaries, reads: \u2018We recognise opinions are divided and we urge caution for those who take to social media where messages can be misinterpreted and cause offence.<\/p>\n \u2018We are aware there is heightened sensitivity and we want to call on everyone involved in football to exercise restraint when expressing views that could be seen as causing offence to any community.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The FA has urged ‘extreme caution’ over public comments on the ongoing Middle East conflict<\/p>\n Your browser does not support iframes.<\/p>\n \u2018At this difficult time, everyone in football should show respect for each other and understand the impact language and symbols can have on others.<\/p>\n \u2018In particular, and as highlighted by the Prime Minister, the phrase \u201cFrom the River to the Sea\u201d is causing deep offence to many people.<\/p>\n \u2018We would urge all within football to exercise extreme caution in their use of social media and public comments and we will continue to keep this phrase and any other under review.<\/p>\n \u2018In the event this specific phrase is used going forward by any Participant we will be seeking guidance from relevant authorities, including police, as to its use.<\/p>\n \u2018We ask all clubs to speak to their players and others within clubs to encourage any use of social media or public comments to be responsible and respectful.\u2019<\/p>\n The circular then goes on to warn that any public comment deemed to be \u2018inflammatory or capable of causing offence\u2019 will leave the participant in danger of FA sanctions.<\/p>\n The letter ends: \u2018In the meantime, our thoughts are with all those innocent victims, their families and with all the communities who are affected this ongoing conflict.\u2019<\/p>\n On Monday, Mail Sport<\/span> revealed how Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury was left facing an FA charge after using the \u2018from the river to sea’ on his social media channels as the violent conflict between Israeli and Palestine escalates.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hamza Choudhury was not charged for his pro-Palestine social media post after FA decision<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Choudhury appeared to post a pro-Palestinian social media message on Monday<\/p>\n The former England Under-21 midfielder\u2019s post was accompanied by an emoji of the Palestinian flag.<\/p>\n Choudhury, who has since apologised and deleted the post, has escaped FA action.<\/p>\n But the organisation have now confirmed that they could punish any other players or footballing staff who use the phrase in the future.<\/p>\n The news comes as Mail Sport<\/span> revealed that clubs had grown irritated clubs by the lack of guidance from the FA and Premier League on how to advise players over making public messages linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.<\/p>\n But the FA\u2019s letter arrives as a clear and important piece of communication for footballing staff moving forward moving forward.<\/p>\n It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Your browser does not support iframes.<\/p>\nIT’S ALL KICKING OFF!\u00a0<\/h3>\n