Malaysian cyclist reprimanded over ‘Save Gaza’ gloves
26 July 2014 5:59 AM IST
A Malaysian cyclist was warned Friday he risked being thrown out of the Commonwealth Games if he repeated wearing gloves bearing the message ‘Save Gaza’. Azizulhasni Awang could have been ejected from the 2014 Glasgow Games after wearing the gloves in competition on Thursday.
Instead the 26-year-old, nicknamed the ‘Pocket Rocket’, who was set to take part in the individual sprint quarter-finals on Friday, was given a reprimand and warned not to wear them again. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) seeks to avoid its competitions being used for political means. The multi-sport event, held every four years, is nicknamed the ‘Friendly Games’.
Though Awang insists his message was ‘humanitarian’ rather than politically-charged, he issued an apology. ‘The actions were investigated and we spoke with the Malaysian team management and it’s a matter for the management to address. It’s inappropriate for any form of protest in a Games venue; we respect everyone’s right to protest outwith. He has had a strong reprimand from his team management and he has apologised. In apologising profusely he now knows any repetition will see a removal of his accreditation,’ said CGF chief executive Mike Hooper.
Instead the 26-year-old, nicknamed the ‘Pocket Rocket’, who was set to take part in the individual sprint quarter-finals on Friday, was given a reprimand and warned not to wear them again. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) seeks to avoid its competitions being used for political means. The multi-sport event, held every four years, is nicknamed the ‘Friendly Games’.
Though Awang insists his message was ‘humanitarian’ rather than politically-charged, he issued an apology. ‘The actions were investigated and we spoke with the Malaysian team management and it’s a matter for the management to address. It’s inappropriate for any form of protest in a Games venue; we respect everyone’s right to protest outwith. He has had a strong reprimand from his team management and he has apologised. In apologising profusely he now knows any repetition will see a removal of his accreditation,’ said CGF chief executive Mike Hooper.
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