PSG Ultras Display Controversial Tifo in Support of Palestine
During the Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Atlético Madrid on November 6, 2024, the Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP) unveiled a massive tifo at the Parc des Princes, featuring the message "Free Palestine". The tifo depicted a bloodied Palestinian flag, a masked figure, and a child carrying a Lebanese flag, sparking both support and outrage. The president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), Yonathan Arfi, criticized the imagery, suggesting it could symbolize a map where Israel no longer exists, although the CUP did not make any explicit anti-Semitic remarks or chants.
The display, which included the phrase "War on the pitch but peace in the world", was part of a broader narrative from the ultras, who also showcased additional banners addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the conflict in Congo. PSG stated they were unaware of the tifo's plan and emphasized that their stadium should remain a space for football and not political messages.
Potential Sanctions Loom for PSG
The tifo's political nature raises questions about potential sanctions from UEFA, which prohibits political messages in stadiums under Article 44 of its safety and security regulations. While PSG has previously avoided penalties for similar displays, such as during a match against AC Milan where ultras displayed Palestinian flags, other clubs have faced fines for political statements. For instance, Celtic Glasgow was fined €17,500 for displaying Palestinian flags, while Marseille was fined €40,690 for a pro-Armenia banner.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether PSG will face repercussions for the CUP's actions, which have drawn significant attention on social media and beyond.
