- Shaun Johnson wore a ‘Free Palestine’ badge
- It is not known when the photograph was taken.
- Sonny Bill Williams praised Warriors star
Shaun Johnson was seen wearing a “Free Palestine” badge, prompting Sonny Bill Williams to praise the NRL star for “standing up for justice”.
Williams, 38, a devout Muslim who converted to Islam in 2009, has spoken out on social media about the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which erupted in October and has led to the loss of thousands of lives.
And he took to social media on Tuesday after a photo of Warriors running back Johnson sporting a ‘Free Palestine’ badge circulated.
The 33-year-old was all smiles in the photo with his wife, Kayla. It is unknown when the photograph was taken.
“It’s good to see some players standing up for justice,” Williams posted alongside three Palestinian flag emojis.
Shaun Johnson wore a ‘Free Palestine’ badge in a photo that has circulated online
Johnson is not the first football star to support Palestine, with Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr comparing the struggle of Palestinians to that of indigenous Australians.
In October, the star shared an image of the indigenous flag next to the Palestinian flag along with the caption “ONE FIGHT, ONE FIGHT.”
Below the indigenous flag are the words “LAND BACK” and the logo of the Black People’s Union (BPU), accompanied by Arabic writing.
He later apologized for the message.
Earlier this year, the NRL condemned Sonny Bill after he was accused of inciting hate on social media in relation to the Gaza war, after he described Israel supporters as “Zionist cowards” and claimed that Israelis taken hostage by Hamas in the October 7 attack were treated well.
That prompted the Executive Council of Australian Jews to tell the NRL that many members of Australia’s Jewish community were offended by its remarks and to ask the league to advise Williams.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo criticized Williams’ stance in his response to the organisation.
“The NRL condemns any comments that have the effect of denying or downplaying the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, including the attacks and killings of civilians, including women and children, the taking of hostages and indiscriminate fire” Abdo wrote, according to News Corp.
Sonny Bill Williams praised Johnson for expressing support for Palestine
The former All Black is a devout Muslim and has made his views clear on social media.
‘The NRL does not endorse or endorse the comments or opinions articulated by Mr Williams in his comments recently posted on Instagram and X.
“As Mr Williams is not bound by the NRL Rules, the NRL has no jurisdiction or mechanism to sanction or advise Mr Williams in relation to comments he has made on social media platforms.”
Abdo went on to write that the NRL does not believe it is appropriate to comment on the conflict in Gaza.
Williams has also accused the media of trying to make the “genocide” of Palestinians appear “justified” in the post featuring his “cowardly” comment.
‘Wallahi (I swear to God), where is our Ummah (Muslim community)?’ he wrote.
‘Where are the so-called men charged with standing up and fighting for our voiceless? If these images are too gruesome for you, REMEMBER that these are the same people that certain parts of the media DEHUMANIZE, which is why you believe this genocide is justified.
‘All you Zionist cowards wouldn’t last a day fighting real men face to face. Allahu Akbar!!’
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the 38-year-old was using his platform to incite hatred against his fellow Australians and offered to meet Williams “anywhere, anytime” to discuss The issue.
“His comments are reckless, dangerous and clearly uninformed,” Ryvchin said.
“But for their many fans and followers, they will sound convincing and will serve to incite hatred and further destabilize our fragile social cohesion.”