French minister slams PSG’s ‘Free Palestine’ banner as France v Israel Paris game approaches

During the match, PSG fans unrolled a message that read: “Does a child’s life in Gaza mean less than another?”

A giant banner reads “Free Palestine“ is seen before the Champions League opening phase match between Paris Saint Germain and Atletico Madrid at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. | Photo Credit: AP

Fans from Paris St. Germain’s Boulogne Kop unveiled a giant ‘Free Palestine’ banner before the kick-off of their Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, eight days before France takes on Israel in Paris in a Nations League game.

“War on the pitch, but peace in the world,” a message underneath said.

During the match, they unrolled another message that read: “Does a child’s life in Gaza mean less than another?”

PSG said it had not been aware “of any plans to display such a message”.

“Paris St 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,” the club added in a statement.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau on Thursday criticised the banner, saying it was “unacceptable.”

Asked if he would seek sanctions against PSG, Retailleau told Sud Radio: “I am not ruling out anything. I will demand explanations from PSG.”

Last year, Celtic was fined 17,500 euros because of fans waving Palestinian flags during a Champions League game.

READ | Correa scores late winner for Atletico as PSG’s UCL woes continue

Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 100,000 since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian enclave’s health ministry figures.

France takes on Israel at the Stade de France next Thursday, with fans allowed in the 80,000-capacity stadium.

Questions have been raised on security surrounding the event in a country that has the largest Jewish community in Europe -- and the third in the world, way behind the United States and Israel -- as well as the biggest number of Muslims in Europe.

Last month, Paris police officials said the game would ‘of course be open to the public’.

Italy played Israel in Udine amid tight security, but Belgium played its home game in Debrecen, Hungary, after its federation said that “In Belgium, no local administration deemed it possible to organise the Red Devils’ home match against Israel”.