Malaysian's 'Save Gaza' gloves anger Commonwealth Games officials

Some of the flags from the Commonwealth nations on an old style phone box in Glasgow city centre, Scotland, Wednesday, July 23. 2014. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

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GLASGOW -- A Malaysian cyclist has risked disciplinary action by staging a Gaza protest on the track at the Commonwealth Games velodrome in Glasgow.

Azizulhasni Awang raced on Thursday in the men's sprint wearing gloves with "Save" over one knuckle and "Gaza" over the other. Awang's fists featuring the message were held to cameras after the race, which took him through to the quarterfinals on Friday.

But the Commonwealth Games Federation, which seeks to avoid its competitions being used as political platforms, told The Associated Press it will "contact the Malaysian chef de mission to discuss the incident and take any action."

That action could range from a reprimand to Awang losing his accreditation.

Palestinian health officials say at least 750 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed since the conflict with Israel began on July 8. Israel is trying to halt rocket fire from Gaza and destroy cross-border tunnels.