While several questions were raised at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, one that has so far remained unanswered was the mystery surrounding host Morgan Freeman’s only glove.
The disgraced actor has been chosen to host the kick-off for Qatar alongside Ghanim al-Muftah in a ceremony that took place in front of thousands of empty seats at Doha’s Al-Bayt Stadium.
Viewers would have noticed the 85-year-old veteran actor, who wore a single beige glove as he performed a show to mark the start of the controversial tournament.
Freeman and Qatari YouTuber Ghanim al-Muftah speak during the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
It’s actually a compression glove and Freeman has worn it since he paralyzed his left hand in a car accident 14 years ago.
While he often removes it for promotional photos and videos, he chose to keep it for the World Cup opening ceremony.
Freeman was fortunate to survive the accident, which saw his vehicle seen multiple times on a Mississippi freeway.
Freeman suffered multiple fractures but survived a serious car accident
He also has constant pain from the chronic muscle condition fibromyalgia, which stems from a broken shoulder he sustained in the accident.
His hand suffered severe nerve damage and the compression glove is being used to keep blood flowing.
“I suffered nerve damage and it hasn’t gotten any better. I can’t move it,” he said at the time.
“If you don’t move your hand, it will swell. Do you know that you move your hand about a million times a day?’
Empty seats in the second half during the FIFA World Cup Group A match at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor.
This disability-friendly inclusion is the icing on the cake #FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. I got goosebumps watching this Qatari man recite the verse on human diversity from Surah Al-Hujarat in response to Morgan Freeman’s call for tribal unity. Bow, Qatar! pic.twitter.com/2b3o1wJC0v
— Ba’ Shaba (@gimbakakanda) November 20, 2022
Morgan might have gotten a chilly reception in the Al Khor desert as rows of empty seats greeted him, but the reaction on social media was warmer.
“Morgan Freeman is the actor everyone loves. He’s the GOAT of Hollywood,” brand influencer Dr. king winter
“His voice is worth a billion dollars Morgan Freeman,” added African pop artist Fancy Gadam.
“Morgan Freeman understood the brief,” tweeted media identity Gary Al-Smith.
Morgan Freeman’s voice is so deep and confident, world class voice!
– Malik Ofori (@malikofori) November 20, 2022
Freeman joined al-Muftah on stage, trying to deliver a message of unity despite Qatar’s deplorable human rights record, laws banning same-sex relationships and an estimated 6,500 migrant worker deaths during the construction of stadiums for ventilation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Championships, Freeman said, “What unites us here in this moment is so much greater than what separates us. How can we make it last longer than today?
Al Muftah is a twin brother who was born with caudal regression syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of the lower spine.
Freeman and Al Muftah perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the Group A match of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 between Qatar and Ecuador
He was given little chance of survival at birth but has managed to pack a huge life over his 20 years, including being named World Cup Ambassador.
Al Muftah recited verses from the Quran to spread the message of diversity and acceptance and hopes to become a future Paralympian.
He is also a successful YouTuber and a politics student at Loughborough University.
“Within my abilities as a [Fifa World Cup] Ambassador, I want to send a message of hope, inclusivity, peace and unity for humanity,” he said.
Morgan Freeman faced the US bid to host the 2022 World Cup. Here he is in December 2010, arriving in Zurich for the final presentation. Qatar shocked the world by winning the hosting rights and today Morgan Freeman is the face of their opening ceremony. Epic trolling on a global scale pic.twitter.com/OeNi8VlYbr
— Roger Bennett (@rogbennett) November 20, 2022
Freeman was originally the face of the United States’ bid for the 2022 World Cup, which ultimately fell along with Australia’s bid when Qatar won in highly contentious circumstances.
That’s why it was quite a shock to see the star of films like The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby and Seven on stage with al-Muftah.
Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) talk in the prison yard
Freeman was forced to apologize four years ago after eight women came forward to file sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior complaints against the actor, with Freeman saying he felt sorry for “anyone who felt uncomfortable or offended.” .
The women had accused him of sexual misconduct, while a total of 16 people, eight alleged victims and eight witnesses, said the actor molested or abused them.
No charges were brought.