PSG supporters unveiled a “Free Palestine” tifo on Wednesday evening, at the Parc des Princes, ahead of the Champions League match against Atlético de Madrid (1-2).
“Unacceptable”, reacted this Thursday the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau, who threatens the Parisian club with sanctions.
A controversial story. Wednesday November 6, on the sidelines of the Champions League meeting between PSG and Atlético de Madrid (1-2) (new window)a large tarpaulin was deployed by PSG supporters in one of the corners of the Parc des Princes in support of Gaza. The message “Free Palestine” was written there in large size, around the blue and red colors of PSG, with a bloody Palestinian flag, the flag of Lebanon. (new window)Jerusalem, tanks or even a person wearing a keffiyeh. The immense canvas topped a banner “War on the ground but peace in the world”.
Banners soon to be banned?
A message that made Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau jump (new window). “This tifo had no place in this stadium”he castigated this Thursday on the social network (new window). “I ask PSG to explain itself and the clubs to ensure that politics does not damage sport, which must always remain a catalyst for unity. Such messages are also prohibited by the regulations of the League and UEFA.”
Interviewed by Sud Radio (new window) shortly after, the Minister of the Interior threatened the capital club with sanctions. “I’m going to ask Paris Saint-Germain for an explanation. It’s a tarpaulin measuring tens of square meters. UEFA regulations prohibit political messages, but it’s a political message. I want to hear from the club”he said. “It’s unacceptable. I’m not forbidding anything and demand accountability. Either they are capable of banning this kind of thing, otherwise there will be a ban on banners, and if necessary sanctions.”
For its part, UEFA indicated late Thursday morning that it would not initiate any proceedings against PSG. “There will be no disciplinary cases since the banner displayed cannot be considered provocative or insulting in this specific case”specified the authority.
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The club assures that it was not aware of the tifo of its supporters. “The club was not aware of the plan to display such a message”Parisian leaders indicated in a press release sent to AFP on Wednesday evening. “Paris Saint-Germain recalls that the Parc des Princes is – and must remain – a place of communion around a common passion for football and firmly opposes any message of a political nature in its stadium.”
Swiss
