Putting Heineken Beer Even Though It Is Alcohol Free In Front Of Obedient Muslims Like Pogba Is A Bad Idea

Paul Pogba (Instagram @FrenchTeam)

JAKARTA - Similar to Cristiano Ronaldo's action of displacing Coca-Cola in front of him, French star Paul Pogba put away a bottle of Heineken during his post-match press conference.

The move made people question whether Pogba was living a healthy lifestyle like the Portuguese star and was anti-alcohol.

The answer to this question is still debated. However, what is most certain is that Pogba is a devout Muslim.

Speaking to The Times in 2019 about being a Muslim, Pogba said: “Being Muslim made me change, realized many things in life. I think, maybe, that makes me more at peace inside”.

He added: “It was a good change in my life because I was not born a Muslim, even if my mother was. I just grew up like that, respecting everyone".

“I questioned myself in many ways, then I started doing my own research. I prayed once with my friends and I felt something different. I feel very good".

“Life has trials. Like when I'm with you, right here. Even if you are not a Muslim, you are a normal human being. You have a human connection and respect you for who you are, what your religion is, what color your skin is, and everything”.

Pogba's action of removing the Heineken bottle during the press conference after France's 1-0 win over Germany was his refusal to support Heineken as one of the official sponsors of Euro 2020.

Alcohol is forbidden for Muslims and, as such, many think that putting a beer bottle in front of France's international player is a bad idea.

Although the special bottle in front of Pogba is alcohol-free, fans believe the Manchester United midfielder does not want to be associated with the brand as it is an alcohol business.

Even so, so far there has been no further explanation whether Pogba knows the beer is alcohol-free or not.

First Ronaldo with the Coca-Cola...

Now Paul Pogba wasn't happy with the Heineken in front of him at his press conference 🍺❌ pic.twitter.com/SU1ifQPGOP

— Goal (@goal) June 16, 2021

However, unlike Coca-Cola, whose shares fell after Ronaldo's actions, the shares of Heineken, which is a Dutch beer company, actually jumped after Pogba's action.

Reporting from Investing.com, Heineken owns two shares listed on the Euronext Amsterdam (AEX) exchange in Amsterdam, namely Heineken Holding NV (HEIO) and Heineken NV (HEIA).

In trading on Wednesday, June 16, HEIO shares rose up to 0.72 percent to 84.10 euros per share. Meanwhile, HEIA shares also rose by 1.02% to 99.18 euros per share.

Regarding this incident. Football fans took to Twitter to express their thoughts.

One fan wrote: "Why did you give Heineken to Pogba who is known as a Muslim?"

Another confused user tweeted: "They (organizers) should have known better (about Pogba's religion)."

Pogba is a Muslim and they don’t drink alcohol. Heineken should know better 🤷🏽‍♂️

— Meek Mani ⚽️🐺 (@yungmanidc) June 16, 2021

Likewise, another wrote: "I don't think Pogba got rid of Heineken because he's against the brand, I think it's because of alcohol and he's Muslim".

A similar tweet read: “Pogba is a Muslim, even though Heineken is 0.0% alcohol this is an act of disrespect. He cannot be blamed for his refusal to promote this drink".

Pogba is Muslim, even though it’s 0.0% Heineken this seems disrespectful. Can’t blame him for not wanting to promote it. https://t.co/bVdOHRzPon

— Benn (@rutterbean) June 16, 2021