Euro 2024 regulations stipulate that flags of non-participating countries and political propaganda are prohibited in stadiums. However, it quickly became apparent that organizers are not enforcing these rules.
Turkish supporters initially exploited this leniency by waving scarves featuring the PLO flag. Upon realizing there was no intervention, they began hanging PLO flags in the stands without hindrance.
Israel did not qualify for the Euro 2024 (official name: the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship) now underway in Germany, which may explain its lack of protest against these displays. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian advocacy continues to operate and capture the hearts and minds of various national team supporters who have traveled to the Federal Republic.
Football fans in Germany distribute watermelons in a show of solidarity with Gaza ahead of the 2024 EURO games. 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/rWpSUn9xNf
— V PALESTINE 🇵🇸 (@V_Palestine20) June 24, 2024
In recent days, anti-Israel activists, seemingly of Turkish origin, have found a new way to promote their agenda. The trend began in Stuttgart, where, en route to matches, many fans received free white hats printed with watermelon designs from these activists.
“This is our way to increase solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the activists said, explaining that the colors of the watermelon match those of the Palestinian flag.
Scottish, German, Ukrainian, French and many other fans are accepting and proudly wearing these hats without questioning their significance. In doing so, they become vehicles for pro-Palestinian propaganda that spreads across social media, disseminating an anti-Israel message.
Originally published by Israel Hayom.