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Jonathan White

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is the latest big name from the global football community to back the campaign to free imprisoned Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi.
The Ivorian posted a picture of Al-Araibi on his Twitter account along with the “SaveHakeem” hashtag while calling on players’ union FifPro.

#SaveHakeem @FIFPro pic.twitter.com/4oXGSw5F3o
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) 2 February 2019

Cameroon international Pierre Webo also added his backing to free Al-Arabi on his Twitter account.
The player has been in a Thai jail since he was detained in the country after travelling there from Australia for his honeymoon in late November.
The campaign to free the Bahrain footballer from a Thai jail has overshadowed the AFC Asian Cup football tournament, which concluded on Friday.
‘We will not send anyone to die’ – really? Then don’t deport refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi to Bahrain, activists tell Thailand

A football player needs urgent help. I support Hakeem al-Araibi. #SaveHakeem pic.twitter.com/ri5wvfUH1F
— Pierre Webó (@webo1509) 2 February 2019

The final was greeted with protests across the globe, calling on the AFC and Fifa to act.
Thai side Chiangrai United took a photo in their changing room at the game against Buriram United.
Fans in the stands at the Thai Champions Cup also held a “SaveHakeem” banner aloft at the Thai Army Sports Stadium.
Hollywood star Anthony LaPaglia asks Wolverine, Thor, Robin Hood and Harley Quinn to help free jailed footballer Hakeem

นักฟุตบอลทีม Chiang Rai United FC ร่วมถือป้าย #SaveHakeem พร้อมใส่เสื้อยืดที่มีข้อความว่า Protect Human Rights#SaveHakeem campaign by football fans and players from Chiangrai United during the match between Buriram United vs Singha Chiangrai United pic.twitter.com/KKHj8VIiVq
— Amnesty Thailand️ (@AmnestyThailand) 2 February 2019

The game, which is contested between the winners of the previous year’s league and the Thai FA Cup, was won 3-1 by Buriram United.
The cause has been led by former Socceroos captain Craig Foster and has been backed by former England captain Gary Lineker.
Global protests to #SaveHakeem set for Asian Cup final day as Bahrain ramps up extradition process

#SaveHakeem campaign at Thailand Champion Cup 2019 by Football fans and players from Chiangrai United during the match between Buriram United vs Singha Chiangrai United. Kick-off at 19.00 on 2 February 2019 at Royal Thai Army Stadium, Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/pGY3OUts2p
— Amnesty Thailand️ (@AmnestyThailand) 2 February 2019

Perth Glory and Matildas forward Sam Kerr, who was ranked No 2 on The 100 Best Female Footballers in the World 2018 list in The Guardian, also backed the call to release Al-Araibi, as did former Perth Glory and Liverpool forward Robbie Fowler.
A-League sides Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar were among several teams that held a “SaveHakeem” banner ahead of their recent game alongside the match officials.
Paul Pogba train selfie story helps to spread word on Hakeem al-Araibi with jailed refugee footballer ‘losing hope’

.@AdelaideUnited, @brisbaneroar and tonight's match officials showing their support for Hakeem al-Araibi. #SaveHakeem pic.twitter.com/tOphEUtvcx
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) 2 February 2019

That was one of a number of matches up and down the Australian football pyramid that marked the campaign, with photos several of them shared by Professional Footballers Australia on their Twitter account.
‘Let us scream, cry ... and #SaveHakeem’ – activists to fight on as Thailand moves to extradite refugee player to Bahrain

From Gosford to Perth to Adelaide and back to Newcastle - football's campaign to #SaveHakeem is covering every inch of the country.
Proud of our @thepfa members supporting their fellow footballer #SaveHakeem pic.twitter.com/pPpFHeki9D
— The PFA (@thepfa) 3 February 2019

Former Australian Olympian Ian Thorpe also backed the cause on Twitter, as did Paralympian Kurt Fearnley.
Pressure has been growing on Thailand to release Al-Arabi, who was granted refugee status by Australia in 2017 after fleeing Bahrain in 2014 in fear for his life.
Thailand faces growing pressure to release Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi

Sportsmen & women make huge sacrifices for their sport but Hakeem is facing the ultimate sacrifice - his freedom. As an Australian & an Olympian, we must stand up and defend his human rights. We ask that Thailand release Hakeem & allow him to return to Australia. #SaveHakeem
— Ian Thorpe (@IanThorpe) 1 February 2019

Human rights campaigners believe that the footballer, who has begun to rebuild his career with Pascoe Vale FC in the Victorian Premier League, would face threats to his safety if he is returned to Bahrain.
Rohingya footballers plead for release of fellow refugee Hakeem al-Araibi – and lament the ‘hypocrisy’ of their plight


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Human rights

Didier Drogba backs ‘Save Hakeem’ campaign as football matches become latest venues for protest

Chelsea player Didier Drogba celebrates with the English Premier League trophy in 2015. Photo: EPA

Sport

Football

Australian A-League and Thailand Champions Cup see teams and fans protest the jailing of Hakeem Al-Araibi in Bangkok
Former football internationals and Olympians adding weight to calls to free refugee


Australian A-League and Thailand Champions Cup see teams and fans protest the jailing of Hakeem Al-Araibi in Bangkok


Thailand

Fifa