The recent unveiling of a giant “Free Palestine” tifo by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans has drawn sharp criticism from French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The banner, displayed by the Paris Ultras Collective (CUP) ahead of PSG’s UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, was deemed “unacceptable” by Retailleau, who promised to seek explanations from the club.
French Government’s Stance and Reaction
Retailleau emphasized his concerns on Sud Radio, stating, “I am not ruling out anything. I want to know more about how this banner came to be unfurled.” He noted that conversations with Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez would help clarify PSG’s role in the incident and accountability measures.
European football’s governing body UEFA, however, confirmed that PSG would not face disciplinary action. A spokesperson stated, “The banner cannot be considered provocative or insulting,” falling outside UEFA’s disciplinary scope.
Details of the Tifo Display
Spanning 50 meters by 20 meters, the tifo featured Palestinian and Lebanese flags with a central image of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. Underneath, a message read: “War on the pitch, but peace in the world,” along with a historical map of Palestine. During the game, another banner was unfurled, asking, “Does a child’s life in Gaza mean less than another?”
PSG’s Response
In response to Retailleau’s criticism, PSG stated they were unaware of plans for the banner and reaffirmed their stance against political messaging in sports. “The Parc des Princes is a place of unity through a common love for soccer, not a stage for political messages,” the club clarified.
Al Jazeera reached out to PSG following Retailleau’s comments, though no response has been provided.
Precedents and Broader Impact
The controversy follows a similar incident last year when Scottish Premier League club Celtic was fined $19,000 after fans waved Palestinian flags during a Champions League game. Fans of Celtic, among other clubs, have openly expressed support for Palestine, even defying flag restrictions.
This backlash also comes ahead of a UEFA Nations League game between France and Israel at the Stade de France, sparking security concerns due to heightened tensions and France’s large Jewish and Muslim communities. While security measures are under consideration, officials confirmed the game would remain open to the public.
The incident underscores the complex intersection of sports and political expressions, which continue to fuel debate across Europe’s football scene.
