While Galatasaray celebrated a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in a recent Champions League fixture, the spotlight quickly shifted from the players to the fervent support shown by its fanbase. Turkish supporters prominently displayed numerous pro-Palestinian banners, strongly condemning what they described as a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They also voiced strong criticism against various international bodies, including football`s governing institutions, for their perceived silence on the issue. Among the most impactful messages were: “Humanity has lost consciousness in Gaza,” “Let children live in Gaza,” and “Free Palestine.”
The contentious topic of potentially excluding Israel from UEFA and FIFA competitions has gained significant traction. Several football federations, notably from Spain, Turkey, and Norway, with an emerging interest from England, are advocating for a prompt resolution on this matter. However, UEFA President Aleksandr Ceferin has maintained a cautious approach. He stated in August that “Athletes must be able to compete; other issues should be dealt with in a different way.” A crucial meeting of the Executive Committee to address this issue is scheduled for December 3rd.
In the wake of these demonstrations, Galatasaray now faces the possibility of disciplinary action. UEFA`s Article 16(2)(e) stipulates that clubs are held responsible for provocative political or ideological messages disseminated by their supporters. Penalties for such violations can range from financial fines to partial or even total stadium closures. This is not an isolated incident in football; for instance, in 2023, Celtic FC was fined €17,500 for displaying Palestinian flags. Interestingly, PSG faced no punishment for a “Free Palestine” choreography showcased at Parc des Princes during a match against Atlético.
