Solskjaer backs Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and Amad Diallo for displaying the Palestinian flag at Old Trafford
One of the striking moments of the night occurred when Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and Amad Diallo displayed the Palestinian flag at Old Trafford after the disappointing 1-1 draw against Fulham.
The duo have now made their feeling clear as to where they stand on the ensuing Isreal-Palestine conflict that has flared up in recent days. According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), neither player will face any action for airing their views.
The FA does not punish players for displaying the flag of a nation after a game. The duo’s support of Palestine breaches no rule and no action will be taken against them or the club.
Speaking after the game, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now thrown in his weight behind his players.
“I think we need to respect their views.”
The Norwegian went on to add that the club is home to players from different parts of the world. They have their own cultures, beliefs and should be allowed to voice them.
“If they differ from someone else’s, If my players think about things other than football then that’s a positive thing.”
A positive change
Solskjaer has no issues with his players making a statement that may lead to positive change. He highlighted the fight Marcus Rashford put up against the establishment last year in order to help fight child food poverty as just such an exercise.
“I think we’ve seen that with some of the players before, that they do care about — say Marcus Rashford, the differences he’s made. We respect their right to have a different view.”
Wherever you may stand on your take of the issue, the right to free speech must be upheld. It is good to see Solskjaer throw in his weight behind his players.
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The United duo displayed the flag during the lap of honour at full time. With 10,000 fans in the stadium, their point will not have been lost.
A number of players have made their feeling clear on the topic in recent days. Wesley Fofana and Hamza Choudhury also displayed a Palestinian flag after Leicester City’s FA Cup final win against Chelsea on Saturday.