‘Confused’ Usman Khawaja speaks out over government’s Palestine snub ahead of Socceroos qualifier

Outspoken Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja has taken aim at the federal government on social media in the lead-up to a football match between the Socceroos and Palestine.

Usman Khawaja has taken a swipe at the Federal Government for their non-recognition of Palestine in the countdown to tonight’s World Cup football qualifier in Perth.

Khawaja, who was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council during the summer for his stance on the war in Gaza, has spoken out on social media as Australia prepares to play Palestine tonight.

“Can’t wait for this,’’ he wrote. “Palestinian flags will be flying everywhere in HBF Park in Perth. And they can’t ban them.

“Likewise I’m confused how we are playing a country that our government doesn’t even recognise? Is this Socceroos v Nobody? It’s all very confusing yes.’’

Can't wait for this. Palestinian flags will be flying everywhere in HBF Park in Perth 🇵🇸. And they can't ban them 🤣. Likewise I'm confused how we are playing a country that our government doesn't even recognise? Is this Socceroos v Nobody? 🤔 It's all very confusing yes. pic.twitter.com/8iryop8r6J

— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) June 10, 2024

Khawaja, who has spotlighted the fact Australia does not officially recognise the State of Palestine, wore with the slogans “freedom is a human right” and “all lives are equal” in the nets before the first Test against Pakistan in Perth, with the writing in red, green and black – the colours of the Palestinian flag.

Khawaja was charged by the ICC for wearing a black armband in the first Test against Pakistan.

ICC laws ban cricketers from displaying messages of political, religious or racial causes during international games. Khawaja argued his is a “humanitarian appeal”.

Originally published as ‘Confused’ Usman Khawaja speaks out over government’s Palestine snub ahead of Socceroos qualifier