Los Angeles FC owner apologises after comparing Gaza genocide to Holocaust

Malaysian businessman and chairman of Westport Holdings Bhd Ruben Gnanalingam, during the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on, 9 January, 2025 [Samsul Said/Bloomberg via Getty Images]

Part-owner of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) apologised yesterday after news broke that he had reposted social media posts that compared the war on Gaza to the Holocaust.

The Jewish Chronicle newspaper was first to report Ruben Gnanalingam’s reposted messages on his LinkedIn page, including comments urging “armies” to “dismantle” Israel and one comparing the genocide in Gaza to the Holocaust.

Malaysian businessman Gnanalingam, who is also vice-chairman of the English club Queen’s Park Rangers, said in a statement that he deeply regretted that the content posted on his social media account had caused distress and concern.

“It was never my intention to offend or harm anyone, and I take responsibility for not exercising greater caution before sharing these posts,” he wrote. “I sincerely apologise to those affected, including my colleagues, friends, and family.”

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