Madjid Bougherra will not be allowed to enter the field of play against Falkirk this afternoon if he carries out his intention to wear a black armband in protest at the treatment of Palestine by Israel.
Madjid Bougherra will not be allowed to enter the field of play for Rangers against Falkirk this afternoon if he carries out his intention to wear a black armband in protest at the "barbaric" treatment of Palestine by Israel.
The defender is planning a political protest over the situation in the Middle East when Rangers welcome Falkirk to Ibrox today, but in doing so he would contravene FIFA rules and not be allowed to play.
"Anything worn on a kit that infers a personal, political or religious slogan is not allowed," confirmed an SFA spokesman.
"The referee will be looking out for anything and if Bougherra wears an armband then he will not be allowed to enter the field of play."
Bougherra, a devout Muslim, has spoken out against the treatment of Palestine by Israel and declared his intention to protest. "As a Muslim, I am deeply touched by the barbarity that has been suffered by our Palestinian brothers and sisters from Israel," he said.
"These killings must stop because there could be massacres and even genocide. The images that come to us from Gaza upset any sensitive and fair human. I hope we will soon find a lasting solution to enable the Palestinian people to live like everyone else.
"I am now thinking about action in the next match.
Personally, I do not want to expose myself to a sanction, but I will wear a black armband at the next championship match as a sign of mourning and protest."
Freddy Kanoute, the Sevilla striker, was fined for revealing a T-shirt with a message of support for Palestine after scoring against Deportivo La Coruna last week.
Bougherra was impressed with the former Spurs striker's actions. "I have great respect for Kanoute. What he did was an honour from all Muslim footballers and I support him with all my strength."
