PSG Fans Display ‘Free Palestine’ Banner Ahead of Nations League Match Between France and Israel

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Tensions Rise in Paris as Football Fans Show Solidarity with Palestine

Fans of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took a stand before their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, unveiling a massive banner reading "Free Palestine" at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. This public display of solidarity comes just days before France is set to face Israel at Stade de France in a high-stakes Nations League match, stoking tensions amid an already charged atmosphere.

Underneath the primary banner, another message read, "War on the pitch, but peace in the world," underscoring the fans' call for compassion and an end to violence. Later in the game, the PSG supporters held up another provocative message: "Does a child's life in Gaza mean less than another?" The scene underscored the heightened emotions surrounding recent escalations in the Middle East.

PSG’s Response: Club Distances Itself from Political Statements

In an official statement, PSG emphasized that it was not aware of the planned display and reiterated its stance against political demonstrations in the stadium. "Paris Saint-Germain recalls that the Parc des Princes is – and must remain – a place of communion around a common passion for soccer and firmly opposes any message of a political nature in its stadium," the club stated.

This incident is not the first time European soccer clubs have faced political expressions from fans over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Last year, Scottish club Celtic was fined €17,500 when their supporters displayed Palestinian flags during a Champions League match, highlighting a recurring challenge for clubs trying to maintain a focus solely on sport amid global conflicts.