Blue Ivy Carter's First Photos
William Lucas Walker: Prop 8: The Color Of Pee-Pee
Muslim teen benched for wearing headscarf during soccer game
Filed under: Teens, Alcohol & Drugs, That's Entertainment
Every Saturday when Ellie suits up for her soccer game, she begs to be allowed to wear something other than the plain white shorts that are part of the uniform. Despite her desire to make a fashion statement on the field, I insist that she wear the regulation shorts like all the other players.
But for 15-year-old Iman Khalil, wearing something different on the soccer field has nothing to do with making a fashion statement. The Florida teen is Muslim and for the past six years has worn her headscarf when playing soccer for the Hernando Heat. At least she did, until last weekend, when a referee insisted that she remove it or not be allowed to play.
"This isn't headgear or anything. It's part of the faith. I don't think it should be a problem that I wear it," she told The Tampa Tribune. A league official agreed with her and overruled the referee during halftime. But the referee, Steve Richardson, still refused to let her play.
"That's the really disappointing thing," said Mike Duke, her team's assistant coach. "He had an opportunity to make it right at that point, and he chose not to. Both teams were screaming for him to let her play. Still, he wouldn't do it." Of course, Iman was upset. But she also was pleasantly surprised with the support she got from her teammates, parents and even the other team. "It was just phenomenal," she said. Even better, her team won the game.
Apparently this referee didn't know the rules as well as he thought he did. The league apologized to Iman and reminded the referees that players are allowed to wear religious articles as long as they don't pose any kind of injury hazard.
The President of the United Soccer Association's executive board, Frank Villaizan, said he was sorry for the incident. "It's a shame," he said. "I don't like politics in sports."
But for 15-year-old Iman Khalil, wearing something different on the soccer field has nothing to do with making a fashion statement. The Florida teen is Muslim and for the past six years has worn her headscarf when playing soccer for the Hernando Heat. At least she did, until last weekend, when a referee insisted that she remove it or not be allowed to play.
"This isn't headgear or anything. It's part of the faith. I don't think it should be a problem that I wear it," she told The Tampa Tribune. A league official agreed with her and overruled the referee during halftime. But the referee, Steve Richardson, still refused to let her play.
"That's the really disappointing thing," said Mike Duke, her team's assistant coach. "He had an opportunity to make it right at that point, and he chose not to. Both teams were screaming for him to let her play. Still, he wouldn't do it." Of course, Iman was upset. But she also was pleasantly surprised with the support she got from her teammates, parents and even the other team. "It was just phenomenal," she said. Even better, her team won the game.
Apparently this referee didn't know the rules as well as he thought he did. The league apologized to Iman and reminded the referees that players are allowed to wear religious articles as long as they don't pose any kind of injury hazard.
The President of the United Soccer Association's executive board, Frank Villaizan, said he was sorry for the incident. "It's a shame," he said. "I don't like politics in sports."
YourVoice
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Rooney Sprains Ankle
Soccer star Wayne Rooney is on crutches and wearing a medical boot after spraining his ankle.
-
The History of Soccer in Video Games
IGN Dives into the soccer (football) of past and new to show you how far these epic games have come, just in time for the World Cup!
-
How To Play Soccer: Post Race
Play against a friend in this simple soccer game to see who scores the highest.
-
SNES Megaman Soccer Match - Part 1
This is just a single tournament match from the SNES game Megaman Soccer.
I used this primarilty to test out my new capture device. I will let you all decide if it has done well.
This is really nothing fancy, just quick and dirty.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
10-15-2007 @ 5:39PM
DaMoKi Bob said...Sandy,
Is it not always disappointing when an American citizen fails civics.
When you behave as the enemy, you are the enemy. The referee should have to wear a head scarf at the next game.
Reply
10-15-2007 @ 9:15PM
Inger said...I would have this guy suspended from refereeing at least temporarily. If he is THAT biased against Muslims and/or Arabs in general he can't be expected to be fair.
It's just sad about the ref - but gotta love the response from the crowd. Even the OTHER TEAM said to let her play! One bad apple doesn't have to spoil the bunch...
Reply
10-16-2007 @ 10:05AM
LS said...In general, I would agree that you stick to the uniform. I also agree that small religious things should be allowed (like a necklace or something)... But I would be worried about her wearing the headscarf simply because it's loose, and soccer can get pretty close-contact at times. Not like football, of course, but I would have a small concern for her.
I agree that the ref was completely wrong if he was being a jerk, but if he was concerned for her safety, I'm willing to give him a break.
Reply
10-19-2007 @ 1:23AM
nic said...he was told the rules allowed it. he refused. he's a bigot. plain and simple. he should lose his job.
i don't care that he's a bigot in private, only not on the job. she's doing a brave thing being out there trying to live her life with the encumberances islam can place upon you - clothing restrictions can totally eliminate you from certain fields, gender relations too, more power to her!
Reply