Saudi Cop in Mecca 'Shoe' Shame

Work is tiring and everyone needs the occasional break, but this Saudi policeman got more than he bargained for when pictures circulated of him leaning on the Holy Kaaba with his foot against the wall.

Saudi police have launched a probe into his little indiscretion after the pictures of him went viral on social media, sparking outrage among conservative Muslims.

Some users even called for the cop to be executed following the sacrilegious gaffe.

The incident even caught the attention of Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, who said that the officer's attitude could not be tolerated, and heeded calls for disciplinary action against the man.

The Prince also demanded that the head of the Mecca police Abdul Aziz Al Sooli hold dedicated workshops and training sessions to educate the security staff at the Grand Mosque on how to behave.

Officials initially said that the security man was not wearing shoes, but rubber soles that staff at the Grand Mosque used regularly.

But this did little to quell the rage expressed by Islamic hardliners in the ultra-conservative state, and people are all but calling for his head on a stake.

One social media user commented: "Shame....he should be punished appropriately after checking his mental health."

Another added: "He should be severely punished. I think he is mad."

Arabs have major issues with feet, where displaying the sole of one’s foot or touching someone, or something sacred, with a shoe or with feet is considered highly offensive.