MUNICH (AP) — During the Champions League final held on Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters showcased a significant political statement by unfurling a banner that read "Stop genocide in Gaza." This action followed shortly after Achraf Hakimi scored the opening goal in a decisive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, his former team.
In addition to the banner, PSG fans were also seen displaying Palestinian scarves and flags throughout the match. This demonstration aligns with the well-known stance of PSG supporters against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a previous instance, during a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid in November, the fans had prominently displayed a large banner stating "Free Palestine."
The implications of such displays are likely to raise concerns amongst local authorities in Munich. The city's municipal building prominently features an Israeli flag, alongside a Ukrainian flag, reflecting Germany's strong historical support for Israel. This backdrop adds context to the reactionary sentiments toward the PSG supporters’ political statements.
On the organizational side, UEFA may impose penalties on PSG for these political gestures. The governing body of European football has strict regulations against provocative messages conveyed through gestures, statements, or visual displays deemed inappropriate for sporting events. In particular, UEFA forbids political, ideological, or offensive content at matches, commonly resulting in financial fines for first violations, which could reach around €10,000 (approximately $10,700) for political banners or disruptive actions.
The backdrop of the banner's message is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's nearly three-month blockade, which has significantly affected a population of over two million. Reports indicate that this blockade has brought the region to the brink of famine, although there has been a recent albeit insufficient allowance for some aid to reach those in need. The U.N. World Food Program has raised alarms regarding the high risk of starvation among Gaza's residents.
The current conflict escalated dramatically when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and leading to the abduction of around 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in over 54,000 casualties in Gaza, with the majority being women and children. It is important to note that Gaza's Health Ministry, in its reporting, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
This situation has drawn international attention and led to protests, including the notable display by PSG fans, highlighting how sports can serve as a platform for political expression amid global conflicts.
