PSG fans raise ‘Free Palestine’ banner during UEFA Champions League match | VIDEO

PSG’s fans raise Free Palestine banner: French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has denounced the display of a massive “Free Palestine” banner by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans before the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Retailleau labeled the display “unacceptable” and requested clarification from PSG regarding the banner’s appearance at Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, unveiled by the Paris Ultras Collective (CUP), a group of fervent PSG supporters.

Minister’s call for accountability

Retailleau expressed his disapproval of the banner’s display, telling Sud Radio that he “would demand explanations” from PSG officials. "I am not ruling out anything," he said, calling for accountability. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez reported on the incident, and Retailleau indicated that he had agreed upon some measures with Nunez but insisted on further explanations.

UEFA’s stance on political displays

Despite the banner, UEFA, European football’s governing body, stated that PSG would not face disciplinary action, as their regulations only prohibit political messages that are "provocative or insulting." A spokesperson clarified that the “Free Palestine” message did not violate UEFA’s policies.

Message of peace on the tifo, video surfaces

Spanning 50 meters wide and 20 meters high, the tifo featured Palestinian and Lebanese flags and an image of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The slogan “War on the pitch, but peace in the world” was visible below, accompanied by a historic map of Palestine. During the match, another banner was unfurled, reading, “Does a child’s life in Gaza mean less than another?”

“This banner had no place in this stadium,” Retailleau wrote on X, urging PSG to “explain itself” and maintain that “sports should remain a source of unity.” He further warned that clubs might face bans on banners if such actions are repeated.

PSG Ultras' tifo ahead of their Champions League game vs Atlético de Madrid:

"Free Palestine. War on the field but peace in the world.” pic.twitter.com/aq7FiQmYcB

— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) November 7, 2024

PSG responds to the incident

PSG released a statement after the game, asserting they were unaware of the banner’s planned display. “The Parc des Princes is – and must remain – a place of unity for the love of soccer,” the club stated, reiterating their opposition to political messages in their stadium.

Security Concerns ahead of France-Israel match

The incident occurred just over a week before France hosts Israel in a UEFA Nations League game at Stade de France, prompting security concerns due to France’s significant Jewish and Muslim populations. The Paris police have confirmed that the game will remain open to the public, with heightened security anticipated.