T HE world of sport, and sports in general, is quite unique, as it’s one of the few activities that can bring laughter, joy and frustration within a short space of time.

Many people see sports people as role models, for example former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham, who was idolised by fans with many copying his hairstyles and facial hair designs.

Sport over the years has become a platform for players to get their views across, whether it be religious expressions, such as Manchester City’s Samir Nasri having a Eid Mubarak message on his shirt, to former Chelsea player Salomon Kalou showing a handcuff celebration to cameras after scoring a goal.

The actions of Kalou were believed to be a show of opposition to the regime in his native Ivory Coast.

The Ivorian was warned about his conduct and duly charged by the Football Association as well.

England cricketer Moeen Ali, a devout Muslim, was warned by the International Cricket Council after the 27-year-old was pictured wearing a free Gaza wrist band in the third cricket test match against India. Our thoughts are with the families in Gaza strip who have lost loved ones, and that applies to Israelis and Palestinians.

The Worcestershire man is showing his support for an end to the fighting in Gaza, and you could argue he was merely expressing ‘freedom of speech’.

On a personal level, I feel Moeen Ali shouldn’t have worn the wrist band; not because I don’t agree with Ali – it’s merely down to the fact that I think a sporting venue or event isn’t a place to make political statements.

People who have these concerns of foreign policy should take them up with their local MP.

An undeniable factor about professional sport whether it be cricket, football or any other sport is that it divides opinion and, in this particular case, that has been on and off the cricket field.

With millions of fans watching and plenty going to the sporting arenas themselves to watch their sporting heroes, observers may ask where would be the best place to ask for a change in a political situation?