LOS ANGELES.- Azeez Al-Shaairone of the figures of the Houston Texanswas fined for carrying on his facial markings the name of a Palestinian girl who was shot dead by the Israeli army, a spokesperson for the American football league reported this Wednesday (NFL).
The American linebacker was named after Hind Rajab about the dark paint under his eyes, a technique used to reduce sun glare or stadium lighting, during the game between the Texans and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The death of five-year-old Rajab occurred in 2024 when troops from Israel They opened fire on the car in which his family was trying to flee Gaza City in the midst of an Israeli advance.
His story generated great international outrage and inspired a docudrama that was nominated for best foreign film in the last edition of the awards. Oscar.
Per NFL rules, displaying personal messages of any kind, including political statements, is prohibited during game days.
A league spokesperson confirmed to AFP that Al-Shaair was fined $11,941 for this infraction.
The player, chosen last season for his first Pro Bowl (All-Star Game), received a similar fine in January when he displayed the message “Stop The Genocide.”
29 years old, Al-Shaair is a practicing Muslim and has frequently taken a stand against the situation in Loop.
“I feel like it’s something they’re trying to silence almost completely,” the player told the Houston Chronicle in 2024. “On either side, it’s not right for people to lose their lives.”
Support from the NBA
The basketball player Kyrie Irvingstar of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, quickly came out in support of Al-Shaair.
“I will take care of your fine,” the point guard said on social media.
In August, the Israeli army admitted to shooting at the car Hind Rajab was traveling in and opened a criminal investigation into the case.
Rajab’s body was recovered from the vehicle, riddled with bullets, days after the girl’s voice was last captured in a desperate phone call lasting several hours to Palestine Red Crescent on January 29, 2024.
The Israeli army had previously denied that its troops were in the area where the events occurred.
