A “Free Palestine” banner which was unfurled by Paris Saint-Germain’s supporters throughout a UEFA Champions League match towards La Liga facet Atletico Madrid has sparked controversy. The banner has attracted the ire of French Inside Minister Bruno Retailleau, who referred to as it “unacceptable.”
The banner included a map depicting Israel, the West Financial institution, and Gaza in colours of the keffiyeh scarf, which has develop into an emblem of assist for Palestinian individuals. The banner additionally had a personality wanting like a masked fighter, a tank and a Lebanon flag, reported the Related Press.
The banner had the phrases Free Palestine emblazoned throughout it in daring letters. Beneath that, was the message: “Struggle on the pitch, however peace on the planet.”
The message was a reference to the continuing struggle within the Center East with Israel attacking Gaza for the previous yr.
French Inside Minister Bruno Retailleau reportedly instructed Sud Radio he’ll demand an evidence from PSG. The membership is owned by Qatar Sports activities Investments since 2011. Retailleau didn’t rule out any motion towards the membership for permitting the followers to show what has been deemed a political assertion.
“That is unacceptable. UEFA guidelines forbid political messages, and it’s a political message,” Retailleau thundered.
There was additionally outrage in France from Jewish teams. Yonathan Arfi, the president of the Consultant Council of the French Jewish establishments, branded the banner as “scandalous.”
“A map the place the state of Israel not exists. A masked Palestinian fighter. This isn’t a message of peace however a name to hatred. The perpetrators of this banner have to be punished! Insupportable!” Arfi wrote on X.
The incident comes at a tense time. The French nationwide group hosts Israel on November 14 within the Nations League. Professional-Palestinian supporters had lately protested on the French Soccer Federation to demand that the sport be cancelled. French authorities confirmed final month that the match would go forward with followers allowed within the stadium.
