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2024-11-07 17:11:00
The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, and the director general of PSG, Victoriano Melero, were summoned to the Ministry of the Interior on Friday, two days after the display at the Parc des Princes of a banner in support of Palestine by supporters of Parisian club. “They will be received at 10am by Othman Nasrou”, Secretary of State for Citizenship and Combating Discrimination, his office announced on Thursday 7 November. “UEFA disciplinary regulations prohibit the dissemination of political messages of a provocative nature in stadiums” writes Othman Nasrou in a letter addressed to the FFF and PSG.
“Given the size (of the banner, ed.), its installation cannot have escaped the club’s supervision,” adds the Secretary of State. Given this, UEFA, for its part, has decided not to initiate any proceedings against PSG “the displayed banner cannot be considered provocative or offensive in the specific case”.
“War on the field but peace in the world”
Before Paris SG-Atlético Madrid, which ended in a 1-2 defeat for the Parisians on Wednesday evening, the Collectif ultras Paris (CUP) held a cheer with the message «Free Palestine», around the red and blue colors of PSG, with a bloody Palestinian flag, the flag of Lebanon, a view of Jerusalem, tanks or even a person wearing a keffiyeh.
The CUP reacted on Thursday evening on its social networks: “In no case did this cheering want to convey a message of hate, on the contrary, the message that accompanied it is explicit and is a call for peace between peoples”. The immense canvas with drawings that covered the entire Auteuil stand was surmounted by a banner “War on the field but peace in the world”. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the display of the banner on Thursday, asking “It is up to PSG to explain itself and the clubs so that politics does not damage sport, which must always remain a catalyst for unity”.
Updated: at 6.10pm with the CUP press release.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Ethic Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today! We have a fascinating topic on our hands, especially given the current climate surrounding sports and activism. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned expert in sports ethics and social movements. Dr. Carter, welcome!
Dr. Emily Carter (DEC): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the intersection of sports and social activism today.
TNE: Let’s dive right into the recent events at the Parc des Princes, where Paris Ultras Collective displayed a banner reading “Free Palestine” during a match. This has certainly sparked a lot of debate. What are your thoughts on how sports teams and their supporters use events to express political messages?
DEC: It’s a complex issue, but I believe it highlights the powerful role that sports can play in social movements. Fans are not just passive spectators; they often use their platforms to voice their beliefs and advocate for social causes. This is especially true in a passionate environment like football.
TNE: Indeed, and it seems that this incident has led to repercussions, with the president of the French Football Federation and the director of PSG being summoned by the Ministry of the Interior. What does this signify about the current state of politics in sports?
DEC: It reflects a growing tension between government regulations and the desire for free expression among fans. While organizations like UEFA have guidelines to maintain neutrality in sports, these regulations can feel stifling, particularly when they clash with fundamental human rights issues. The government’s reaction indicates a desire to maintain control over what is acceptable in public spaces.
TNE: Othman Nasrou, the Secretary of State for Citizenship and Combating Discrimination, mentioned that UEFA prohibits “political messages of a provocative nature.” Do you think this stance is too restrictive, or is it a necessary measure to keep the focus on the game?
DEC: That’s a delicate balancing act. On one hand, maintaining the integrity of the sport is important; on the other, completely suppressing political messages can lead to the alienation of fans who use sports as a platform for social change. Striking a balance where both can coexist is essential for the evolution of sports in society.
TNE: So, you’re suggesting that there needs to be a more nuanced approach to how these messages are handled in sports arenas?
DEC: Absolutely. Sports organizations could engage with fans and foster dialogue about what messages are appropriate. Instead of outright prohibitions, there could be designated spaces or contexts where fans can express their views without penalty. This could enhance community engagement while respecting the values of the sport.
TNE: That’s an interesting perspective. As we see the rise of activism in sports, do you think it will ultimately change how leagues and teams operate?
DEC: Yes, I believe we are at a tipping point. As social movements gain momentum, teams and leagues will need to adapt. We’ve seen athletes start to take more active roles in social issues, and this trend is likely to continue. The brands associated with sports are realizing that their audiences value authenticity and principled stances on pressing issues.
TNE: Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to sports organizations navigating these waters?
DEC: My advice would be to listen to their fans and understand the context of the messages they want to convey. Engaging in open dialogue is key. Embrace the passion of the supporters, while also clearly defining boundaries that protect the essence of sporting events. Collaboration rather than confrontation could be a way forward.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for this insightful discussion! It’s clear that the relationship between sports and politics is evolving, and understanding this dynamic will be crucial for the future.
DEC: Thank you for having me! It’s an important conversation to have as we think about the role of sports in society.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged with us at Time.news!
