PSG Fans Raise ‘Free Palestine’ Banner at UCL Match

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans sparked controversy on Wednesday night by unveiling a large “Free Palestine” banner during their UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at the Parc des Princes stadium. The banner featured Palestinian keffiyeh colors, a map showing Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, as well as depictions of a masked figure and a tank bearing a Lebanese flag. Another message displayed by PSG supporters read: “Does a child’s life in Gaza mean less than another?”

The display comes ahead of France’s upcoming Nations League game against Israel, scheduled for November 14 at the Stade de France, where security concerns are already high due to potential protests. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau criticized the banner, deeming it “unacceptable” and a violation of UEFA’s ban on political statements in sports venues. Retailleau said he plans to demand explanations from PSG management and did not rule out possible sanctions against the club. UEFA regulations typically impose fines for political messaging, with past cases resulting in penalties of around 10,000 euros.

PSG responded to the incident by stating they were unaware of fans’ plans to display the banner and emphasizing that the Parc des Princes should remain a venue focused solely on football, free of political statements. The club’s statement reaffirmed their stance against political expressions within the stadium.

Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions, condemned the banner as a “call to hatred.” Retailleau has called on clubs to increase monitoring of fan displays to prevent similar occurrences, warning that repeated violations could lead to stricter regulations, including potential bans on large fan displays, or “tifos,” in stadiums. Free Palestine

The incident follows increased scrutiny on public displays related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with heightened security measures for France’s upcoming match against Israel.