Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – Omani sports commentator Khalil Al Balushi sparked a wide interaction among activists on social media after he apologized to the UAE for previous statements he made during the Qatar-UAE match in the 2019 Asian Nations Cup.
Al-Balooshi said in the video clip circulating during his coverage of the semi-final match between Morocco and France: “In the semi-final round, but in a larger tournament and in front of a larger audience, I offer my apologies to God, who there is no god but Him. And appreciation to the UAE, its government and its people.”
And he continued, saying: “May God forgive what preceded, and you are the country of tolerance and the forgiving is generous.
Al-Balooshi had sparked an interaction in 2019 by commenting on the third goal of the Qatari team against its Emirati counterpart, which was scored by Hassan Al-Haidos, saying: “Al-Haidos dashed them.”