Soccer coach's Star of David tattoo sparks outrage in Saudi Arabia

Malicioius social media campaign targets Lindsay Camila, the new Brazilian coach of Saudi women's soccer team Al-Ittihad, criticizing her tattoo and questioning her sexual orientation

Lior Ben Ari, Niv Shaiovich |
A campaign against Lindsay Camila, Brazilian head coach of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad women’s soccer team, has gained traction on social media under the hashtag “A Zionist trains the women of Al-Ittihad.”
Camila, who sports a Star of David tattoo on her hand, has faced criticism from Saudi social media users questioning her background and motives. Her rainbow-strap watch, associated with LGBTQ+ pride, has further fueled online attacks on her character and suitability for the role.
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Al-Ittihad women's head coach Lindsay Camila
(Photo: Al-Ittihad Women's X account)
"The Al-Ittihad Club, owned by the Saudi Wealth Fund, hired a coach for the women's team named Lindsay Camila, a Zionist lesbian who works to spread her Zionist and homosexual ideas among girls," reads one widely circulated post.
Another harsh post reads: "How did this impurity enter our homeland? Who allowed her to enter? How did Al-Ittihad not ask about her before she came to coach? Let's hope that whoever allowed her to enter the territory of the country will be held accountable and whoever let her coach in the club will be held accountable." According to those posting on the internet who oppose her appointment, this "is not consistent with the laws and traditions of Saudi Arabia, especially on a women's team."
Camila, 42, joined Al-Ittihad last summer, replacing American coach Kelly Lindsey. Her coaching career includes leading Bahia FC to Brazil’s second-division championship and Ferroviária to victory in the Copa Libertadores in 2021, making her the first Brazilian woman to achieve the title.
Al-Ittihad finished last season in sixth place, currently holding fifth in the standings in the Saudi Women’s League, established in 2022.
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