Sonny Bill Williams has called on the public to treat Muslims who ‘fight for the innocent’ the same as freedom fighters defending Ukraine against Russia.
The former NRL star, who converted to Islam in 2009, weighed in on the Ukraine crisis on Twitter on Thursday.
‘So the freedom fighters that will go to support Ukrainian soldiers won’t be called terrorists they will be called heroes,’ Williams began.
Sonny Bill Williams has called on the public to treat Muslims who ‘fight for the innocent’ the same as freedom fighters defending Ukraine against Russia. Pictured with his wife Alana
The former NRL star, who converted to Islam in 2009, raised his opinion on Twitter on Thursday and made a comparison between the Ukraine defenders and muslim fighters
‘Rightly so, we should always support what is right. Just remember this when muslims around the [world] go and fight for the innocent/voiceless humans also,’ he said.
Sonny’s followers, many of whom are from the Muslim community themselves, largely agreed with his opinion.
‘Vast majority already knew it regardless of how much the western media try and cover it. There is no such thing as World Peace or Equal Rights…there never was. Might is Always Right and that’s always how it will stay,’ wrote one.
‘Having a public profile and speaking out take some real guts. May Allah grant you goodness in this life and the next. Ameen,’ said a fan.
‘So the freedom fighters that will go to support Ukrainian soldiers won’t be called terrorists they will be called heroes,’ the 36-year-old began
Aussie boxer Billy Sib tweeted in response: ‘May Allah reward you Sonny for raising awesomeness.’
Others believed that Sonny’s comparison was a big leap as the two groups were very different. A few users suggested that the tweet was not time appropriate considering the devastation and conflict happening in the Ukraine.
‘Some serious dark undertones in this tweet. What is going on right now in Ukraine is unparalleled and not seen since WW2,’ one user responded.
‘Cut it out mate and spare a thought for Ukraine. Different stories,’ commented another.
One user added that ‘Western countries always help people in need no matter their religion or skin colour. Ukraine aren’t sending missiles or suicide bombs into Russia at innocent civilians. They are defending against an invasion big difference.’
Sonny’s followers, many of whom are from the Muslim community themselves, largely agreed with his opinion
A few commenters suggested that the tweet was not time appropriate considering the devastation happening in the Ukraine. Pictured: Explosions at the city of Kyiv
The 36-year-old – who played both rugby codes before embarking on a boxing career – has always been a strong advocate for Islam and the Muslim population.
Williams recently lashed out at ‘racist fear-mongers’ who tried to block a new mosque under construction in Sydney’s south last August.
Signs had appeared at the Carlton building site apparently left by locals opposing the mosque going up in a residential area and bringing increased traffic to the area.
But Williams believes the complaints are based on racism and bigotry.
Kiwi rugby star Sonny Bill Williams (pictured) has lashed out at ‘racist fear-mongers’ trying to block a new mosque under construction in Sydney’s south
‘Racism is well and truly alive in Botany St, Carlton Sydney,’ he posted on his Instagram page alongside a picture of him next to some of the signs at the site.
‘God willing we’ll be praying 365 DAYS, 5 TIMES A DAY at our new Masjid very soon. May the most high eradicate racism from our society.’
Williams – who played union for the All Blacks as well as league with Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters – converted to Islam in 2009 while playing in France.
He said his experience of living and working in the Islamic community during his four seasons with the Bulldogs led him to convert.
His mother Lee and brother John have also since converted to the religion as has the dad of three’s South African-born wife, former model Alana, 28.
Sonny Bill Williams, pictured here with Alana, 28, and children Imaan, Aisha, and Zaid, believes locals’ complaints against the mosque are based on racism and bigotry
