AUS vs PAK: Pakistani fans kicked out of stadium for displaying pro-Hamas banners similar to Usman Khawaja's shoes
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During the fourth day’s play between Australia and Pakistan in the first Test, several Pakistani fans were removed from the Optus Stadium in Perth for a banner emulating Usman Khawaja’s message. Notably, those messages replicated the message on Usman Khawaja‘s shoes.
The Australian opener, Usman Khawaja had aimed to show the phrases “All Lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right” on his footwear, expressing solidarity with those affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict. He was asked to remove the inscriptions by the ICC as per their clothing and equipment regulations with the rule stating that “approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”
As a result, security reportedly removed spectators displaying a banner echoing Khawaja’s shoe message during the fourth day of the series opener.
This incident recalls a similar occurrence earlier in the year during the ICC Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad. A spectator breached security, entering the field wearing a T-shirt supporting Palestine. Security promptly escorted the individual out and subsequently arrested them.
Usman Khawaja played with a black armband on his left arm. “I’m a grown man, I have the freedom to make my choices. However, the ICC will consistently impose fines, and eventually, it will distract from the game. I affirm my statement, and I believe I’ll stick to it indefinitely. Nevertheless, I must concentrate on my performance on the field. Yet, the issue remains a significant concern for me,” Khawaja stated.