The FA announce a social media ban on pro-Palestine phrase ‘from the river to the sea’… but organisation will NOT charge Hamza Choudhury over for using it in social media post

• The Leicester player had been waiting for days for resolution from organisation
• FA will involve the police should any participant use the phrase in the future 
• Organisation is seeking to offer greater clarity as clubs seek strong guidance 

The Football Association will write to clubs to inform them the use of the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ is now banned.

And in a further development, English football’s governing body will involve the police should any participant use the saying in future.

On Monday, Mail Sport revealed how Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury was left facing an FA sanction after using the phrase on his social media channels as the violent conflict between Israeli and Palestine escalates.

The adage has strong pro-Palestinian connotations. The former England Under-21 midfielder’s post was accompanied by an emoji of the Palestinian flag.

Choudhury, who has since apologised and deleted the post, has escaped FA action.

Hamza Choudhury will not be charged for his pro-Palestine social media post after FA decision

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But the organisation will move to punish any other players or footballing staff who use the phrase in the future.

An FA spokesperson said: ‘After careful consideration, we will be writing to all clubs to make it clear that this phrase is considered offensive to many, and should not be used by players in social media posts.

Choudhury appeared to post a pro-Palestinian social media message on Monday

‘The player has apologised and deleted the tweet. We are strongly encouraging clubs to ensure that players do not post content which may be offensive or inflammatory to any community.

‘If this phrase is used again by a football participant, we will seek police guidance on how we should treat it and respond.’

The news comes as Mail Sport revealed that clubs had grown irritated by the lack of guidance from the FA and Premier League on how to advise players over making public messages linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

But the FA’s stance arrives as a clear and important piece of communication for players moving forward.

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