Drogba among stars to support Palestine

LONDON – A host of the world’s top footballers including Didier Drogba have pledged their support to Palestine during their ongoing conflict with Israel.The group - which includes dozens of other stars from across the globe including Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye and Paris Saint-Germain’s Jeremy Menez claim that two footballers - Omar Rowis, 23, and Mohammed Nemer, 22 - have been detained in Israel without charge or trial.A statement released via the personal website of former Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute read: “We, as European football players, express our solidarity with the people of Gaza who are living under siege and denied basic human dignity and freedom.”Objecting to UEFA’s decision to allow Israel to host the Under-21 European Championships, the statement added: “We are informed that on 10 November 2012 the Israeli army bombed a sports stadium in Gaza, resulting in the death of four young people playing football: Mohamed Harara and Ahmed Harara, 16 and 17 years old; Matar Rahman and Ahmed Al Dirdissawi, 18 years old.”“It is unacceptable that children are killed while they play football. Israel hosting the UEFA Under-21 European Championship, in these circumstances, will be seen as a reward for actions that are contrary to sporting values.”