Condemnations and protests against the decision of a swedish court to allow descreation of the Quran are continuing across the globe, but footballers in Iraq did something unique and powerful.

In a match between Al-Shorta and Al-Qasim clubs of the Iraqi Premier League, protest against the desecration of the Holy Quran was done by honoring the book publicly.

Referees and players from the two teams took to the field before the match began with copies of the Holy Quran in their hands. They then raised the Quran in their hands and kissed it.

The powerful symbolism of the protest made headlines across Iraqi media and eventually became viral on social media.

A swedish court had accepted appeals filed by protestors in the country, allowing them to desecrate the Quran in front of the capital’s main mosque. The appeal had been filed against police decisions which had chosen to ban the rallies.