Palestine Embassy Thanks Kanouté For Support

Freddy Kanouté has proved on many occasions during his career that he wants to use his footballing talent to help other causes, and last night the Malian bought off-the-field events to light again.

After scoring against Deportivo La Coruña in the Copa Del Rey, the striker lifted his top to reveal a t-shirt, with the word Palestine written across it.

The message was a simple show of support for the Palestinian cause in the Middle-East, and today, it received thanks from the Palestine embassy.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Mahmud Aluanen, counsellor for the embassy, expressed his gratitude to Kanouté, and said that he believes many back in his country will be grateful too.

"It is a very important step," he began.

"The Sevilla striker has shown himself to be very brave by supporting our region in a public act like he did.

"Sportsmen are human beings, and they cannot hide their feelings. They have all the right in the world to express their opinions in areas that question human rights. I am sure that all Palestinian children, who love Spanish football, will be moved by this gesture."

Kanouté has been a staunch follower of Islam since he turned 20 and back in 2006/2007 refused to wear a shirt sponsored by gambling website 888.com, because betting is against Islamic principles.

On this occasion it seems that he could face a fine for his actions though, but he was defended in part by the Israeli ambassador in Spain, who said he does not believe it will generate violence.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Raphael Schutz, called for everyone to come together in a bid for peace, and confirmed he did not have an opinion on the incident.

"We all have to act together so that there can be peace in the region...The mixture of politics and sport can sometimes be bad, but not when there is a very specific opinion on display. I believe that [Michael] Owen did something similar to show his support for dock workers in Liverpool, and that had a positive reaction," he mused.

"One must respect the action, but I do not have a clear opinion. I do not believe it will generate violence, I saw the game, and the shirt said nothing more than Palestine. There was no incitement against Israel and I do not believe it will start any violence."

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com