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Malaysian cyclist warned for Gaza protest

GLASGOW — Malaysian cycling star Azizulhasni Awang has been reprimanded by his team after wearing gloves with “Save Gaza” written on them while competing in the men’s sprint race at the Commonwealth Games. The 26-year-old has been warned that he will be expelled if he does it again.

Malaysia’s Azizulhasni Awang with his ‘Save Gaza’ gloves during the men’s sprint first round on Thursday. 
Photo: Getty Images

Malaysia’s Azizulhasni Awang with his ‘Save Gaza’ gloves during the men’s sprint first round on Thursday.
Photo: Getty Images

GLASGOW — Malaysian cycling star Azizulhasni Awang has been reprimanded by his team after wearing gloves with “Save Gaza” written on them while competing in the men’s sprint race at the Commonwealth Games. The 26-year-old has been warned that he will be expelled if he does it again.

Azizulhasni competed on Thursday wearing gloves that had the words “Save” written across knuckles on one hand and “Gaza” over the other. Azizulhasni ’s fists featuring the message were held to cameras after the race, which took him into the quarter-finals.

“The actions were investigated and we spoke with the Malaysian team management,’’ Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper said yesterday.

“It’s inappropriate for any form of protest, etc. in a games venue. We respect everyone’s right to protest ... however it is inappropriate. He has had a strong reprimand from his team management, he’s apologised profusely. He now knows any repetition will see a removal of his accreditation.”

During yesterday’s sprint quarter-final races, Azizulhasni wore plain black gloves as he lost to Sam Webster of New Zealand, having defended his right to back Gaza’s residents.

“I feel sorry to the people who misinterpret my message. There’s no such thing with political protest,” Azizulhasni wrote on his Facebook page. “It’s from the bottom of my heart to express humanitarian (thoughts). Since when (is) expressing humanitarian considered as political?

“Anyway, I apologise to those who think I’m doing wrong and thanks a lot to everyone who always keep supporting ... me. There’s no word that I can express it.”

Israeli ground troops and Hamas gunmen continued to fight intense battles yesterday in Gaza where more than 800 Palestinians have been killed during 18 days of fighting.

The Israeli death toll is 35, among them 33 soldiers, as the country tries to destroy rocket sites in Gaza and tunnels into Israel. AP

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