The Devil In The Red Devils’ Jerseys
So what’s new? Manchester United FC is always known by its nickname, the Red Devils. But now in Malaysia, Muslim clerics have pronounced that the devil is in Manchester United’s famous red jerseys. And a few other clubs have been labelled as off limits to Muslims as well.
“Dangerous And Un-Islamic”
Nooh Gadot, a top Islamic cleric from the southern Johor state and an advisor to the Johor religious council, referred to the picture of the devil in the crest of Manchester United FC and promptly labelled it “dangerous and un-Islamic.” Nooh Gadot said: ”This is very dangerous. As a Muslim, we should not worship the symbols of other religions or the devils.”
Why should the Red Devils’ jerseys be banned? Nooh Gadot said concerning the jersey: “It will erode our belief in Islam. There is no reason why we as Muslims should wear such jerseys, either for sports or fashion reasons.”
Nooh Gadot added: “Even if it (the jersey) is a gift, we should decline it. It is even more sinful when people realise this is wrong and still buy these jerseys to wear. These Muslims should repent, repent immediately.”
When asked if a fatwa would be issued on this, Nooh Gadot said this is not necessary since it is clearly wrong for Muslims to don such a garment.
Nooh Gadot’s stand is supported by another leading cleric, Harussani Zakaria, who is from Perak state. Harussani Zakaria said: “Yes of course in Islam we don’t allow people to wear this sort of thing. Devils are our enemies, why would you put their picture on you and wear it? You are only promoting the devil.”
Reactions
The Red Devils have an estimated 81 million fans in Asia. In Malaysia there are approximately 7,000 members belonging to the Manchester United Fan Club Malaysia. Now these fans are fighting back on Facebook and on Twitter. One fan tweeted: “Maybe the religious leaders are just fans of Liverpool?” Sharifah Shahidah, a fan of the Red Devils said: “Why has this become an issue after Manchester United has won the title for 11 times? They haven’t been watching the matches all this while?”
Another Manchester United fan said: ”What am I gonna do with all my Man Utd jerseys? And my sons’ jerseys? Should I cover the emblem with a picture of flower?”
Other Teams’ Jerseys Affected
Manchester United’s red jerseys are not the only shirts banned in Malaysia. Also off limits are the shirts of teams including Brazil, Portugal, Barcelona, Serbia and Norway, all of which carry images of the cross on their team emblems.
Think About It
Why do Muslim clerics in Malaysia suddenly felt the need to pass judgment on Manchester United’s famous red jerseys? Why didn’t they call for a ban earlier? Did they not notice the design of the Red Devil’s crest before? Should clerics get involved in sporting matters, like jerseys? Why is it that other Muslim countries didn’t ban the Red Devils’ jerseys? Should Malaysian Muslims heed the cleric’s call to repentance for buying and wearing the jerseys of the Red Devils?
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