A German television anchor has sparked outrage online after comparing the Moroccan World Cup team with the Islamic State militant group (ISIS).
The Welt anchor showed an image of three national team players after a successful World Cup match, in which they raised their index fingers.
Raising the index finger is a common gesture for billions of Muslims around the world who praise Allah (God) by professing the concept of Tawhid, or ‘Oneness’.
However, the anchor likened the players to ISIS, claiming the gesture caused “irritation”.
“This is a greeting that the so-called Islamic State has adopted,” he claimed.
“The fighters often pose with the gesture after conquests. It’s unclear whether the World Cup players from Morocco were aware of the significance of the gesture,” he alleged.
The segment, broadcast to millions, was widely shared online. However, social media users were quick to call out the brazen racism targeting the Moroccans.
“I am fascinated every day by the extent in which German racism presents itself with its coverage of the World Cup,” Germany-based journalist Hebh Jamal tweeted.
Another Twitter user pointed out similar gestures made by Ronaldo of Portugal as well as his Brazilian counterpart.
“German media goes nuts: German channel “WELT” claims that three Moroccan players make the sign of ISIS!! Seems like Ronaldo and Ronaldo were also members of ISIS??! Racist and stupid is a dangerous & frightening mix!” she said.
German journalist Tarek Bae accused Welt of “fabricating” the connection with ISIS, adding that while Moroccan players know the real meaning of their faith, “racists in the world do not,” and “this inflammatory reporting around the world causes irritation”.
The outrageous claims were made just days after the Berlin-based Die Tageszeitung also criticized the Moroccans for their support of Palestine, calling the raising of the flag at the World Cup as “orchestrated hostility towards Israel”.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is the first such time the tournament is being held in a Muslim and Arab nation.
The Palestine flag has become a ubiquitous symbol throughout the world’s most celebrated sporting event despite Palestine not qualifying for the tournament.
Arab and international football fans have decided to express solidarity for Palestine at the event. They have been displaying Palestinian flags, wearing Palestinian armbands, singing and dancing for Palestine, refusing to be interviewed by Israeli channels, or simply leaning into the camera of Israeli broadcasts and chanting for Palestine.
Moreover, Arab teams involved in the tournament, especially Morocco, have been bold with their solidarity, celebrating their wins by waving the Palestine flag on the pitch.
