The FA have suspended council member Wasim Haq after he said ‘Adolf Hitler would be proud’ of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Haq was previously sacked by the Lawn Tennis Association on Monday, who slammed his ‘unacceptable’ comment amid Israel’s ongoing military action in Gaza.
Haq was appointed by the FA and LTA Councils to speak on the behalf of diverse communities and inclusion.
A FA spokeswoman said on Tuesday morning: “The investigation into Wasim Haq’s conduct is underway and he has been suspended from his Council duties pending the outcome of the process.”
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Haq’s bio on X says he also deserves on the board of England Golf and the Football Association Council.
He apologised for his initial post, saying: “It has been brought to my attention that a tweet I published yesterday has caused offence.
“I have deleted the tweet and apologise unreservedly to anyone that has felt offended.”
He then added: “My tweet was directly in relation to comparing two individuals who in my eyes have caused contemporary and historical irreparable harm to victimised communities on both sides of this tragic conflict.
“I am not and never have been the kind of person that targets anyone or any community over any difference ever.
“I am NOT antisemitic and have never been accused of being so.
“I unreservedly apologise if this was taken in any other way.
“Anyone who knows me will know that I stand to be counted on behalf of every community that is being marginalised in any way whatsoever and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
“To all those that are offended, I deeply apologise – and I continue to pray for an end to the needless loss of any life during this tragic conflict.”
The LTA confirmed Haq’s sacking on Monday, having appointed him back in March.
An LTA statement read: “The LTA Board considered this matter today and agreed that the tweet posted by Wasim Haq on 11 November was unacceptable and in no way reflects the LTA’s position or values.
“Therefore the Board have agreed that Wasim Haq will be removed from his role as an independent councillor with immediate effect.”
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Haq’s comments have been condemned by former chair of the FA Race Equality, Advisory Board Yunus Lunat.
Lunat told Sky Sports: “It wasn’t the wisest decision.
“In difficult times, people in positions of leadership need to be treading extra carefully about what we say and what we do, especially when you are in that sort of role.
Football news: Wasim Haq has been suspended by the FA for his comments on social media
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“It wasn’t the most discrete or wisest thing for somebody to do in that position.
“It comes at a time where FA is trying to weed out discrimination of all forms.
“The FA has been under scrutiny for allegedly not giving the same prominence to antisemitism as other forms of discrimination. This adds fuel to that line of argument.”
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