Rabat – Activists have called on Muslim football fans in Qatar to show respect for the Prophet Muhammad during Morocco’s semi-final game against France at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
“I hope to hear from the Moroccan fans in the France and Morocco match prayers upon the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, as they shake the stands,” Palestinian influencer Mahmoud Al Hasanat said on Twitter.
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the game, a fact that Al Hasanat also drew attention to in a now-deleted tweet, highlighting that Macron previously made remarks that Muslims around the world found offensive regarding the Prophet.
Other influencers also echoed Al Hasanat’s calls, such as author Boutaina Azzabi Ezzaouia, who shared the influencer’s tweet on Instagram.
France and its leadership have long faced scrutiny over anti-Arab and Islamophobic sentiments, which have manifested in attempts to close down mosques and ban hijabs in the country.
Macron also previously defended cartoons which had offensively depicted the Prophet.
Morocco is facing France in a decisive semi-final on Wednesday. While defending champions France will look to reach the final for the second time in a row, Morocco –who have become the darling of global audiences– are hoping to cause another upset and make history by securing a spot in the final.
