Mohamed Salah challenges UEFA for omitting cause of death in tribute to “Palestinian Pele”
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has publicly criticised UEFA for its tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid, a footballer known as the “Palestinian Pele,” who died in an Israeli attack in Gaza.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) confirmed Al-Obeid’s death on Wednesday, stating he was 41 years old.
UEFA posted on X that Al-Obeid was “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” In response, Salah, who is 33 and has over 19 million followers on the platform, wrote: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
READ ALSO: ‘Palestinian Pele’ Suleiman al-Obeid killed while seeking aid in Gaza
The Egyptian forward’s comment was praised by many, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who replied, “Well said Mo!”
This isn’t the first time Salah has spoken out on the conflict. In an October 2023 Instagram video, he called for an end to the violence and for aid to be allowed into Gaza.
In the video, he said: “It is not always easy to speak in times like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality.
READ ALSO: Head of Palestinian Community in Nigeria visits Neptune Prime, calls for end to Gaza genocide
The escalations in the recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart.”
The PFA noted that Al-Obeid was married with five children and had made 24 appearances for the Palestinian national team, scoring two goals. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has been contacted for comment.
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