Premier League resumes this week after the international break and it will be the first game-week amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Tottenham will host Fulham on Sunday and they have announced the ban on displaying national flags at their game. They have urged fans to avoid carrying any national flag in the stadium.
Premier League clubs will show their support for the lives lost in the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. It will be seen in weekend games in England. Meanwhile, Tottenham have stated their desire to avoid any gestures that ‘could possibly be considered inflammatory’. However, all the players, team managers and officials will wear black armbands to observe silence for all the lives who died in the conflict.
Before the game week started, EFL and the league issued a ban on carrying the national flags of Israel or Palestinian in stadiums. Tottenham have issued a statement to all supporters in an email ahead of the home game against Fulham. The club considers this may create some drama during the game so they want a peaceful game.
Tottenham Hotspur’s statement reads, “The club has always considered that a football match is a time to show allegiance to a football team first and foremost. A football match is not an appropriate arena to display flags of any political or religious affiliation or anything that could possibly be considered inflammatory – this can include national flags during times of political conflicts, campaigns or issues.“
It also adds, “We fully appreciate the sensitivities involved and thank you for your cooperation on this matter – we kindly ask supporters not to put our stewards in a difficult position when attending matches.
It’s officially confirmed by Spurs that fans are not allowed to bring flags representing Palestine or Israel into matches. FA also prohibited the flags when Wembley hosted England’s games during the international break. Premier League later made guidance for upcoming weekend games.
Meanwhile, England and Italy players observed a period of silence at Wembley ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers game. However, boos were heard around some parts of the stadium during the moment of remembrance. Protests are also going on around the country in support of Israel and Palestine.
