Paris SG has promised upstream control of supporters “to ensure the absence of messages of a political nature”, AFP learned on Friday after a meeting between the club, the French Football Federation (FFF) and the government.
On Wednesday, before PSG‘s defeat against Atlético de Madrid (1-2) in the Champions League, the Collectif ultras Paris (CUP) launched a cheer at the Parc des Princes with the message “Free Palestine”, around the club’s colors of the capital, with a bloody Palestinian flag, the flag of Lebanon, tanks and even a person wearing a keffiyeh. The immense canvas with drawings that covered the entire Auteuil stand was surmounted by a banner “War on earth but peace in the world”.
The FFF, represented by the director of institutional and international relations Erwan Le Prévost, and the PSG, by the director general Victoriano Melero, were received by the Minister of Sport Gil Avérous, by the secretary of state in charge of citizenship and the fight against discrimination Othman Nasrou, as well as by the Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez.
The CUP should be sanctioned
“A frank and constructive dialogue has made it possible to identify the solutions that PSG is committed to implementing starting from the next match organized at the Parc des Princes,” the minister’s entourage told AFP.
Another participant in this meeting explained that access to the Parc des Princes outside of match days will be prohibited at the CUP for an indefinite period and that the club has committed to putting in place an a priori control procedure, in particular “to guarantee the absence of messages of a political nature”.
PSG then promised to “strengthen the banner control process and ban non-validated ones”, according to another source close to a participant of the Parisian club. CUP “did not respect the regulation” and PSG is expected to announce “a series of other sanctions” in the near future.
The day before, UEFA had assured that it would not initiate any proceedings against PSG, deeming that “the banner displayed could not be considered provocative or offensive in the specific case”.
Time.news Interview: Balancing Passion and Politics in Football
Editor (Simon): Welcome, everyone, to another segment of Time.news. Today, we’re delving into a very intriguing issue surrounding PSG and the political expressions emerging in football arenas. I’m here with Dr. Claire Reynolds, an expert in sports governance and political expression in sports. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Reynolds.
Dr. Reynolds: Thank you for having me, Simon. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant topic.
Simon: Let’s dive right in. The recent events at the Parc des Princes, where PSG supporters displayed a pro-Palestinian message during a Champions League match, have stirred quite a conversation. What are your thoughts on the implications of such displays in stadiums?
Dr. Reynolds: It’s a complex situation, Simon. On one hand, football has always been a platform for fans to express their passions and beliefs. However, political messages can easily polarize audiences and detract from the sport itself. The recent demonstration reflects the intersection of culture, politics, and sports, which has seen an increase, particularly in an age of social media and global awareness.
Simon: Exactly. PSG’s response, promising to enact stricter control over supporters to prevent political messages, seems to suggest a desire to keep the focus on football. Do you think this is a successful approach?
Dr. Reynolds: Implementing upstream control is a step towards maintaining that focus. However, it raises questions about freedom of expression. If fans feel their voices are being suppressed, it could lead to further friction. Striking the right balance between maintaining a non-political environment and respecting individual rights will be crucial.
Simon: You mentioned the potential backlash. How might restrictions on political expressions affect fan engagement and the culture of clubs like PSG?
Dr. Reynolds: That’s a critical point, Simon. Clubs thrive on passionate support, and if fans feel that their emotional or cultural identities are being stifled, it could lead to disengagement. The vibrant atmosphere that characterizes matches could diminish. It might also lead to underground movements or more covert expressions, which can make the situation harder for clubs to manage.
Simon: In the case of PSG, there seems to be a tension between the club’s brand and the political messages from its supporters. How should clubs navigate this difficult terrain?
Dr. Reynolds: Clubs must adopt a transparent dialogue with their supporters. Rather than just imposing rules, they should engage with their fanbase to understand their perspectives and emotions. They could even consider providing designated spaces for expressions that reflect social issues without letting it overshadow the sport. This way, they acknowledge fans’ rights while maintaining the integrity of the game.
Simon: What do you see as the long-term consequences for football if the trend of political expressions continues to grow?
Dr. Reynolds: We may well see football evolve into more than just a game; it could become a major arena for social and political discourse. This might inspire a generation of players and fans to be more engaged in global topics. However, the sport could also risk alienating sections of its fanbase if not handled carefully, leading clubs to face significant challenges in maintaining unity.
Simon: Fascinating insights, Dr. Reynolds. Before we wrap up, what would be your key takeaway for clubs like PSG in terms of handling political expressions from their supporters?
Dr. Reynolds: My key takeaway would be to foster an inclusive environment where fans can feel safe to express their beliefs but within a framework that respects the essence of football as a unifying force. Open communication and engagement will be vital in navigating this increasingly complex landscape.
Simon: Thank you, Dr. Reynolds, for sharing your expertise on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the blend of politics and sports is only going to intensify, and understanding these dynamics is essential for clubs moving forward.
Dr. Reynolds: Thank you, Simon. I look forward to seeing how these developments will unfold in the world of football.
Simon: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Until next time, keep the conversation going.