Robert Saleh 'was NOT fired because he wore a Lebanon flag' despite Jets coach sparking huge controversy

Robert Saleh's decision to wear a Lebanon flag played no part in the Jets' shock call to fire the head coach, according to reports.

Saleh, whose parents are from the Middle Eastern country, carried the flag on his New York uniform during the Jets' defeat by the Vikings on Sunday.

It came as bombing continued on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and conflict raged between Israel and Hezbollah.

Saleh wore a similar patch last month - and last season - but his gesture sparked huge controversy. The Jets faced the Vikings a day before the anniversary of the attacks on Israel on October 7.

Fans were divided over the flag patch and, two days later, Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed he had fired the head coach. 

But, according to TMZ, Saleh's show of support for Lebanon was not a factor in the decision. 

That is despite speculation - notably from radio personality Joe Benigno - that Saleh's wardrobe choice pushed him towards the exit door. 

Meanwhile CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, has demanded answers over whether the flag was used against Saleh.

In a statement, CAIR was quick to point out that Johnson - an ex-US ambassador to the UK - is 'a former Trump administration official who has been accused of making racially charged remarks'. The council also expressed concern over reports that Saleh was escorted out of the building by security.

'The report that Jets security physically escorted Saleh out of the building does raise concerns about the possible motive for such unusual hostility—especially given that Saleh wore a Lebanese flag pin at a game just days ago,' a statement read.

'We encourage the Jets to thoroughly explain its unusually hostile reported treatment of Coach Saleh,' the statement read.

Earlier on Wednesday, meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers was forced to deny accusations that he had a role in Saleh's departure, branding them 'patently false'.

The 40-year-old quarterback heaped praise on the coach, telling the Pat McAfee Show: 'Yesterday was a day that reminds you of the simple fact that all of us who played know all too well... and that's that it's a tough business,' Rodgers said.

'I love coach Saleh, we have a very solid relationship that we had since I met him in 2021. He was a big reason why I came to the Jets.'

On the 'ridiculous' allegations that he instigated the firing, Rodgers fumed: 'I resent any of those accusations, and they're patently false. It's interesting the amount of power people think I have, which I don't.'