During the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov made headlines on social media not only for his presence at the stadium, but also for a moment during CBS Sports’ post-match coverage.
Invited to join the “UCL Today” panel, Nurmagomedov was warmly welcomed by the male presenters with handshakes and hugs. However, when presenter Kate Scott offered her hand, Nurmagomedov politely declined.
“It was a pleasure to meet you,” Scott said with his hand outstretched. “Nice to meet you,” Nurmagomedov replied, keeping his hand close to his body. “Apologize,” he said after quickly withdrawing his hand and adding, “Thank you very much.” He then asked him a question, which he respectfully answered. It was certainly an awkward moment, especially live, but overall everyone involved handled it well.
This gesture by Nurmagomedov aligns with his religious beliefs. As a devout Muslim, he follows practices that include avoiding physical contact with women who are not close relatives. This cultural and religious norm seeks to show respect and maintain appropriate boundaries according to the Islamic faith.
The interaction, although brief, generated various reactions on social media. Some viewers expressed surprise, while others appreciated the respectful way in which both handled the situation. The incident underlines the importance of cultural sensitivity and mutual understanding at international events where diverse traditions and beliefs converge.
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