Jordan footballer expresses solidarity with Palestinians during Asian Cup victory over Malaysia

LONDON: In a display of solidarity with the Palestinian people, footballer Mahmoud Al-Mardi celebrated after scoring Jordan’s first goal in their 4-0 victory over Malaysia in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar on Monday by lifting his shirt to display the slogan, “The cause of the honorable.”

Photos of his celebration quickly went viral on social media, with some observers describing his actions as a bridge between sports and social activism.

Al-Mardi opened the scoring in the 12th minute of the game. Musa Al-Taaman added a second from the penalty spot in the 18th minute, before Al-Mardi grabbed his second just after the half-hour mark. Al-Taaman grabbed Jordan’s fourth goal late in the second half.