ECB Chairman Giles Clarke has a heated argument with Rabbi over Moeen Ali's wristband

Moeen Ali was told to remove his wristbands by the ICC

England all-rounder Moeen Ali created a huge controversy last week after being seen wearing wristbands inscribed with “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” slogans during the Test match against India in Southampton. This was brought to the notice of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and he was asked to remove the wristbands by the match referee, David Boon, as he was breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct for players.

The ICC had said: “The ICC Equipment and Clothing Regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match.

“Moeen Ali was told by the Match Referee that whilst he is free to express his views on such causes away from the cricket field, he is not permitted to wear the wristbands on the field of play and warned not to wear the bands again during an international match.”

In fact, Ali’s actions incensed senior Rabbi Yisroel Fine of Cockfosters so much that he called England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Giles Clarke to complain against the 27-year old.

A heated argument between Rabbi Fine and Clarke followed with both of them being extremely strong in their points of view.

The ECB honcho gave his full support to Ali, arguing that the bearded cricketer was well within his rights to express his opinions on an issue that he feels strongly about.

Rabbi Fine, irked at Clarke providing his backing to Ali instead of pulling him up, is as a result considering giving up his MCC membership.