Malaysian cyclist given warning over ‘Save Gaza’ gloves
A Malaysian cyclist was issued an official reprimand and warned that he risked being thrown out of the Commonwealth Games if he repeated wearing gloves bearing the message "Save Gaza".
Azizulhasni Awang (pic) could have been ejected from the 2014 Glasgow Games after wearing the gloves in competition yesterday.
Instead the 26-year-old, nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket", who was set to take part in the individual sprint quarter-finals today, 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," said CGF chief executive Mike Hooper.
"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."
On his Facebook fan page, which has more than 200,000 followers, he wrote: "I feel sorry to the people who misinterpret my message. There's no such thing with political protest.
"It's from the bottom of my heart to express humanitarian. Since when expressing humanitarian considered as political?
"Anyway, I apologise to those who think I'm doing wrong.
"I got a warning and still can race today but without my 'SaveGaza' glove.
"Thanks everyone for your support and really appreciate it.
"We all stand as a human."
Azizulhasni's action yesterday came as the death toll in Israeli shellings of Gaza climbed to 800. Malaysians are largely sympathetic towards the Palestinians, with both sides of the political divide condemning the latest attacks on civilians.
The Terengganu-born father of two, who was the flag bearer for the Malaysian contingent at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, won the gold medals at the Asian Cycling Championships in April 2008.
In February 2011, a crash during the final of the World Cup keirin event in Manchester sent him out of the tournament. – AFP, July 25, 2014.
