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1 year ago
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The FA have suspended council member Wasim Haq after he tweeted the 'Adolf Hitler would be proud of Benjamin Netanyahu', the Israel Prime Minister.
Haq was sacked from his similar role on the council of the Lawn Tennis Association, who condemned his 'unacceptable' comment amid Israel's ongoing military action in Gaza.
He was appointed by the FA and LTA Councils to speak for diverse communities and inclusion.
On Tuesday morning, an FA spokeswoman said: 'The investigation into Wasim Haq's conduct is underway and he has been suspended from his Council duties pending the outcome of the process.'
Haq, whose X - formerly Twitter - bio says he also serves on the board of England Golf and the Football Association Council, apologised for his initial post on Sunday.
Wasim Haq (above) apologised for his post and took it down from his X profile
The LTA council member was sacked for a tweet about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured), saying 'Hitler would be proud' and has been suspended by the FA
He wrote: 'It has been brought to my attention that a tweet I published yesterday has caused offence. I have deleted the tweet and apologise unreservedly to anyone that has felt offended.'
He later added: 'My tweet was directly in relation to comparing two individuals who in my eyes have caused contemporary and historical irreparable harm to victimised communities on both sides of this tragic conflict.
'I am not and never have been the kind of person that targets anyone or any community over any difference ever. I am NOT antisemitic and have never been accused of being so.
'I unreservedly apologise if this was taken in any other way. Anyone who knows me will know that I stand to be counted on behalf of every community that is being marginalised in any way whatsoever and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
'To all those that are offended, I deeply apologise - and I continue to pray for an end to the needless loss of any life during this tragic conflict.'
Haq, who was appointed to the LTA Council in March 21 to help promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, was axed from his position on Monday.
An LTA statement read: 'The LTA Board considered this matter today and agreed that the tweet posted by Wasim Haq on 11 November was unacceptable and in no way reflects the LTA's position or values.
'Therefore the Board have agreed that Wasim Haq will be removed from his role as an independent councillor with immediate effect.'
Haq's position with the FA is under scrutiny and an investigation has been launched
Haq posted his full apology on social media and says he stands by anyone marginalised
The former chair of the FA Race Equality, Advisory Board Yunus Lunat told Sky Sports: 'It wasn't the wisest decision.
'In difficult times, people in positions of leadership need to be treading extra carefully about what we say and what we do, especially when you are in that sort of role. It wasn't the most discrete or wisest thing for somebody to do in that position.
'It comes at a time where FA is trying to weed out discrimination of all forms. The FA has been under scrutiny for allegedly not giving the same prominence to antisemitism as other forms of discrimination. This adds fuel to that line of argument.'
Israel have rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and continue military action.
Israel has been bombing Gaza since the 7 October Hamas attacks that killed 1,400 people and saw at least 230 people taken hostage.
The IDF are bombing Gaza from the air and moving forward on the ground, while also drafting in 300,000 reservists.
Netanyahu says Israel has a 'clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities', as well as freeing hostages taken.
It is reported that more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7.
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