Army regrets Allah ball

THE US military regrets any offence it may have caused by handing out a soccer ball emblazoned with the name of Allah on it as part of a public relations exercise in Afghanistan, a spokesman said yesterday.

At least one of the balls — which were dropped in the Khost province on Friday — carried a small picture of the Saudi Arabia flag.

The flag features the Islamic declaration of faith, which contains the words Allah and the Prophet Mohammed.

Villagers were “upset and angry” when they saw the ball, said Khost governor Arsalah Jamal.

Muslims treat with the utmost respect any printed matter containing the name of Allah or his prophet on it.

Most would find the idea of kicking a ball emblazoned with the names as deeply offensive. Sgt Dean Welch, of the US-led coalition, said: “We regret any disturbance that was caused.”