CGames: Malaysian cyclist warned over ‘Save Gaza’ gloves
A Malaysian cyclist was warned on Friday that he risked being thrown out of the Commonwealth Games if he wore the gloves with the message "Save Gaza" again.
Azizulhasni Awang could have been ejected from the 2014 Glasgow Games after wearing the gloves during a competition on Thursday.
Instead, the 26-year-old, nicknamed the Pocket Rocket, was given a reprimand and warned not to wear them again.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) seeks to avoid its competitions being used for political means. The multi-sport event, held every four years, is nicknamed the “Friendly Games”.
Awang insisted his message was humanitarian rather than politically-charged, but he issued an apology.
CGF chief executive Mike Hooper said: "The actions were investigated and we spoke with the Malaysian team management and it’s a matter for the management to address."
"It’s inappropriate for any form of protest in a Games venue. We respect everyone’s right to protest outwith."
"He has had a strong reprimand from his team management and he has apologised. In apologising profusely, he now knows any repetition will see a removal of his accreditation," Mr Hooper said.
Awang wrote about the incident on his Facebook fan page, which has more than 200,000 followers.
Awang is set to take part in the individual sprint quarter-finals on Friday.
Source: AFP
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