This Is The Reason Persib Players From Palestine Refuse To Hold The 'Stop War' Banner For The Russia-Ukraine Conflict

JAKARTA – Persib Bandung player from Palestine, Mohammed Rashid, explained the reason why he did not want to hold the 'Stop War' banner as an act of sympathy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Persib made the action before the kick off against Persija Jakarta on Tuesday, March 1. However, in photos circulating on social media, Rashid is seen holding a banner as a form of solidarity.

In a recent post on his Instagram, Rashid explained that his attitude does not mean he supports the war that is currently going on. He asserted himself strongly against war that occurs anywhere without exception.

“Some people thought I didn't take the photo because I agree with what happened in Ukraine. Obviously NO, Prophet Muhammad said there is no difference between Arabs and non-Arabs and not even between blacks and whites except with piety!” wrote the 26-year-old player.

Support for Ukraine has continued to flow since Russia launched its military operation on Thursday, February 24. The majority of European countries did not even hesitate to impose severe sanctions for the Red Bear Country.

In addition, sanctions for Russia are also imposed by the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the European Football Union (UEFA). The two football clubs have banned the Russian national team and clubs from participating in international competitions.

Rashid said that FIFA and UEFA's firm reaction showed that there were double standards. The two soccer parents were judged to be one-sided because when many footballers gave their support to Palestine, they were reprimanded on the grounds that football did not interfere in political matters.

"But why when we do the same for Palestine, it becomes illegal and say mix football with politics? Why double standards? This is so UNFAIR! We are all human!” Rashid continued.

“We are all human! We also don't want war in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and others. If we want to sympathize and show humanity we have to do it for all the suffering people around the world. Not pick and choose. God willing, all wars will end and people everywhere in the world can be safe and enjoy life away from war," he concluded.

Rashid and his friends managed to come out victorious in the match. They managed to beat the Kemayoran Tigers with a score of 2-0 thanks to a brace from David Silva.

The victory boosted Persib's position to second place in the Indonesian League 1 standings. Maung Bandung now has 57 points or 3 points behind Bali United in the top position, while Persija are still in eighth position with 38 points.