LOS ANGELES (AP) — A co-owner of Los Angeles Football Club issued a formal apology on Monday following the resurfacing of controversial posts on his social media accounts that were deemed offensive by both his soccer club and Major League Soccer. Ruben Gnanalingam, a Malaysian entrepreneur who also serves as the vice chairman of the English football club Queen’s Park Rangers, expressed remorse after it was brought to light by The Jewish Chronicle that he had shared content on LinkedIn that made derogatory remarks about Israel.
The posts included calls for military action against Israel and drew comparisons between the conflict in Gaza and the Holocaust. Gnanalingam acknowledged the distress and unease caused by the content he reposted, emphasizing that it was never his intention to cause offense or harm. In his statement, he took full responsibility for not scrutinizing the posts more carefully before sharing them and extended a heartfelt apology to those who were affected, including his colleagues, friends, and family.
Recognizing the importance of unity, diversity, and respect for all individuals, Gnanalingam made the decision to remove the contentious reposts and announced his intention to take a break from social media in order to concentrate on his professional obligations. He expressed a commitment to learning from this incident and collaborating with MLS, LAFC, QPR, and other relevant entities to ensure that his public communications align with the values and standards expected of him as a prominent figure in the global business community.
The reposts by Gnanalingam were uncovered by the investigative organization GnasherJews and subsequently brought to the attention of The Jewish Chronicle. Both Major League Soccer and Los Angeles Football Club released a joint statement condemning Gnanalingam’s actions, affirming their stance against all forms of hatred and emphasizing their commitment to unity. The League disclosed that it is conducting a thorough review of the situation but refrained from providing further details at this time.
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