Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans displayed a massive “Free Palestine” banner during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, just over a week before France is set to face Israel in a Nations League game in Paris.
The banner, held up by the Auteuil Kop fan group, was accompanied by another streamer reading, “War on the pitch but peace in the world.”
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau criticised the display, calling it unacceptable. However, UEFA clarified that PSG would not face disciplinary action, as only political messages deemed “provocative or insulting” are restricted.
PSG stated that they had no prior knowledge of the banner, reaffirming their stance against political messaging at the Parc des Princes stadium.
The display came as tensions continue to escalate in Gaza and Lebanon, where recent Israeli military actions killed several people, mostly women and children, according to local sources.