Spectators spread out a banner reading "Free Palestine" prior to the UEFA Champions League, League phase - Matchday 4, football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Atletico Madrid, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. AFP
The display, stretching across the Auteuil stand at Parc des Princes, featured a striking “Free Palestine” slogan, with the “i” represented by a map of Palestine designed in the colours of a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf.
Adding to the symbolism, the tifo depicted a child wrapped in a Lebanese flag, underscoring solidarity with Lebanon as it faces Israeli aggression.
Beneath it, a banner read, “War on the pitch, but peace in the world,” emphasizing a call for unity amid rising global tensions.
The show of solidarity ignited intense discussions around political messaging in sports, an issue the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has traditionally been cautious about.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau quickly condemned the display, calling it “inappropriate” and suggesting possible repercussions for PSG, warning that political expressions in sports venues could heighten societal divides.
"I am not ruling out penalties," he said, as France will host Israel in a Nations League match at the Stade de France next Thursday.
PSG responded, stating they were unaware of the fans' plans and reiterated that Parc des Princes is intended to be a place for unity around football, according to France Bleu Paris.
“The stadium is not a place for political discourse,” the club declared.
Despite typically strict policies against political statements in stadiums, UEFA announced it would not pursue sanctions against PSG, finding that the tifo did not violate its regulations against "provocative or discriminatory language," according to AFP.
This approach contrasts past responses where displays of Palestinian solidarity have often led to penalties.
For example, Celtic FC has faced multiple fines, including a 17,500-euro penalty in October 2023 after fans displayed Palestinian flags and a banner calling for "victory to the resistance" during a match.
However, in recent years, UEFA has shown greater tolerance for humanitarian expressions, especially regarding Ukraine. It has allowed players to wear armbands and display supportive messages in stadiums amid the war with Russia.
This disparity has raised questions over double standards, with critics arguing UEFA’s flexibility reflects Europe’s political leanings.
The decision to forgo penalties for PSG’s fans suggests an evolving approach by UEFA, potentially signalling greater openness to humanitarian messaging.
In 398 days of war against Gaza, Israel killed at least 43,391 people and injured more than 102,347, with another 10,000 feared buried under debris, according to the latest toll of the Palestinian health ministry.
In Lebanon, Israel has killed 3,050 people since October last year, the health ministry said.
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