The Education Department in Taif is questioning a physical education teacher working at a primary school in the city for asking his students to shout slogans in support of the Al-Nassr Club during a school parade. The incident had raised widespread protest among parents and supporters of other sports clubs in the Kingdom.

“I did it for fun,” said the teacher, who will retire shortly, according to a report carried by sabq.org, an electronic newspaper.

“We have instructed officials to investigate the incident after video footage circulated on social media sites,” said Mohammed Al-Shamrani, education director in Taif.

He said the results of the investigation would be presented to the Education Ministry. He also disclosed that the ministry has banned taking photos and videos inside schools without permission.

The ministry had earlier announced its decision to take punitive action against the teacher for his controversial behavior.

Its spokesman, Mubarak Al-Osaimi, emphasized the role of schools in spreading a culture of tolerance, adding that the ministry respects all of the country’s sports clubs.