NAYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA has launched a disciplinary case after fans of Israeli football clubs showed banners that were criticized by the Polish president and diplomats from Israel after they unveiled a banner targeting Poland.
Maccabi Haifa vs. Rakow Czestochowa’s fallout in the UEFA conference league on Thursday adds current scrutiny of non-sports issues airing in international football.
The English slogan “Murderer” was exhibited by Maccabi Haifa fans in the UEFA conference league qualifying game with Team Lakow of Poland. It was soon condemned by the Polish president, Israeli Embassy In the country.
Polishing President Karol Nowrocky posted on X The banner was “scandalous” and an insult to hone World War II victims, including three million Jews.
Maccabi Haifa and Rakow played the game in Neutral Hungary – Instead of Israel for security reasons – A week after the first leg of Poland. There, Rakou fans showcased a Polish flag and say that Israel is killing people and the world is silent.
UEFA said Friday that both clubs were accused of “sending messages that are not suitable for sporting events” in cases being reviewed by a disciplinary panel.
They were fined for future games and were not given a schedule to impose sanctions that could close parts of the stadium. Rakow won 2-0 on Thursday, eliminating Maccabi Haifa 2-1 on the tally score.
The Polish government’s foreign ministry said it had spoken with Israeli country’s ambassador, Yakov Finkelstein, on Friday.
“He expressed his utmost anger at the scandalous content of the banner exhibited by Israeli fans and thanked the solid condemnation by the embassy,” the Polish Ministry said in a statement.
The Polish ambassador to Israel was also set up to discuss the case with the Israeli government, the ministry said, adding that “Poland-Israel relations should not be undermined by extremists and will not.”
UEFA doesn’t allow for obvious political messages from stadium fans and clubs in organizing European competitive games, but that itself was criticized this week.
on wednesday, UEFA has displayed a message “Stop killing kids, stop killing civilians,” he said on the field, playing for Italian Woodin between Champion League title holder Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winner Tottenham.
Uefa said This was part of a campaign featuring a charitable foundation with projects to support children affected by conflict in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine.
When medals were presented to the PSG and Tottenham players, the postgame ceremony involved two Palestinian children, Italian refugees from Gaza.
At the Champions League Finals held in Munich in May, PSG fans have shown banner The English word “Stop the genocide of Gaza.” UEFA did not punish a French club owned by Katari for display.
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