Azeez Al Shair Makes A Statement with “Stop the Carnage” Eye Black

In a recent interview with the ESPN Monday Night Football team, Azeez Al Shair, a linebacker for the Houston Texans, expressed a significant message. He was seen wearing eye black emblazoned with the phrase “Stop the Carnage,” which likely references the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Al Shair has a history of supporting Palestinian causes, including donning “Free Palestine” cleats during the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative in the 2024 season. On his shoes, he had “Freedom” along with the colors of the Palestinian flag. One shoe carried an inscription that read, “To Allah we belong, and to Him we will all return,” while the other displayed the number of Palestinians reportedly affected by the violence.

His cleats were part of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, which he also supported in 2023. Reflecting on the situation, Al Shair commented, “It almost feels like something they’re trying to silence.” He emphasized the tragedy of innocent lives being lost on both sides, acknowledging, “I’m not justifying what happened in any way, shape, or form.” He added that such violence is unsettling and calls for empathy towards all victims.

Al Shair previously collaborated with the Ceasefire Athletes organization, showing solidarity with various athletes. In a recent game, he faced backlash after tackling Trevor Lawrence, resulting in a concussion. He later criticized the “racist and Islamophobic fans” who condemned him online.

In the recent game, Al Shair’s Texans scored 23 points in the fourth quarter, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 and moving on to the AFC Divisional Round. They are set to face the New England Patriots next, with the game scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.