In the wake of the Daesh-coordinated attacks in Paris, people all over the world fell silent. From Francois Hollande standing alongside students at the Paris-Sorbonne University to astronauts on the International Space Station, groups all week have gathered to observe a minute of silent reflection in memory of those who lost their lives.
In the US, the National Football League followed suit with a moment of silence before Sunday’s games, but, unfortunately, not everyone was so respectful.
At a Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions game in Wisconsin, Islamophobic shouts were heard during the pause which caused Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to express his disappointment in the fan responsible.
While Rodgers did not wish to repeat what was yelled, reports suggest the fan yelled “Muslims suck." Other fans are said to have told the disrespectful fan to show some respect.
After the game, the quarterback made his view on the remark very clear, saying:
“I must admit, though, I was very disappointed with whoever the fan was who made a comment that I thought was really inappropriate during the moment of silence. It’s that kind of prejudicial ideology that I think puts us in the position that we’re in today as a world.”
His statement is a refreshing reminder that influential sports stars and entertainment personalities alike can help tackle bigotry in society, especially during a time when Muslim communities fear persecution at the hands of those who do not differentiate them from Daesh.
See the video below, via Twitter.
Watch NFL Star Aaron Rodgers slam an Islamophobic fan who interrupted a moment of silence for the Paris victims: https://t.co/Xm9Z8f0vUO
— AJ+ (@ajplus) November 17, 2015By Kane Hippisley-Gatherum
