Security Throws Banned Palestinian Flag In Trash Ahead Of Real Madrid Champions League Match

Security personnel at Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium confiscated a Palestinian flag from a fan and threw it in a trash can before a Champions League match against Marseille on Tuesday. The incident was captured on video as part of UEFA's enforcement of its policy banning political symbols, flags, or ideological messaging inside competition venues.

UEFA's policy has been applied inconsistently, as evidenced by recent examples. Paris Saint-Germain avoided punishment in November 2024 when fans displayed a "Free Palestine" banner, which UEFA deemed not provocative. Conversely, Scottish club Celtic was fined €17,500 in 2023 for similar pro-Palestinian flag displays by supporters.

This incident occurred amid broader pro-Palestinian protests in sports, including recent disruptions at the Spanish Vuelta cycling race where protesters demanded Israel's team expulsion and clashed with police. Real Madrid won the match 2-1 against Marseille.