Tottenham midfielder at risk of sanctions for controversial Israel-Palestine remarks

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FOOTBALL Tottenham midfielder at risk of sanctions for controversial Israel-Palestine remarks

Festus Chuma 13:32 - 18.10.2023

Tottenham's Manor Solomon sparks controversy by taking side in the aftermath of Israel-Hamas war raising questions on social media.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon has waded into the complex and deeply sensitive arena of the Israel-Palestine conflict, accusing Hamas of a disturbing tactic.

The 24-year-old, born in Kfar Saba, Israel, took to Instagram to share a post from Israeli news site Mako regarding a devastating explosion at Gaza City's Al Ahli hospital. The explosion, which claimed hundreds of lives, has become a focal point of the ongoing conflict.

The post included a statement from the Israeli Defence Forces attributing the blast to a 'failed rocket launch by Islamic Jihad.' 

Alongside a picture of the explosion, Solomon added his own commentary, stating, "Killing their own people and blaming Israel," accompanied by two confused emojis.

The accusation points to a deepening narrative divide between Israeli and Palestinian factions regarding the incident.

Israeli president Isaac Herzog echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the blast was caused by Islamic Jihad.

"Never before has the choice been clearer," Herzog asserted. "Israel is standing against an enemy made of pure evil." However, Islamic Jihad vehemently denied responsibility, accusing the Israeli forces of attempting to cover up a 'horrifying crime and massacre against civilians.'

Manor Solomon, who joined Tottenham in July 2023 on a five-year deal, previously spent a successful loan season at Fulham, scoring five goals in 24 appearances.

The 23-year-old's performances played a pivotal role in helping Fulham secure a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Solomon's journey to the English Premier League took a unique turn when he exercised a FIFA rule allowing Ukraine-based players to suspend their contracts.

The rule, implemented in the aftermath of Russia's invasion, applied to players who were not Ukrainian nationals.

As Solomon settles into his new role at Tottenham, his controversial social media post adds an unexpected layer to the player's public image.

The conflicting narratives surrounding the tragic incident in Gaza have not only sparked a debate on social media but also thrust the footballer into geopolitical tensions.

Tottenham, known for its global fanbase, will now be closely watching how Solomon's remarks and the ensuing controversy unfold, as the player navigates both the football pitch and the complex world of international relations.