Australia’s Jackson Irvine Could Captain at the World Cup After Showing Support for Palestine

Australia will compete in the World Cup for the seventh time in its history, when it faces Turkey this coming Sunday. Jackson Irvine, who could wear the Socceroos captain’s armband, may also move into eighth place on the all-time appearances list for the yellow shirts.

Last June, the St. Pauli captain caused a stir when he posted footage of himself on social media at a show wearing an FC Palestine shirt. It is a sports brand that produces clothing to raise funds for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the player published several posts on social media supporting protests. As a result, he came under heavy criticism in Germany, and the dissonance was deepened by the fact that Irvine is known as a strong supporter of LGBTQ rights, while the Bundesliga captain’s armband is sometimes decorated with the colors of the Pride flag.

In response to the allegations, he said: "The Palestine shirt? I wanted to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, and especially with the residents of Gaza, who are suffering in an indescribable situation."

Irvine played in 24 Bundesliga matches this year, as the Hamburg club finished in 18th place and was relegated to the 2. Bundesliga in Germany.