Galatasaray could be handed a punishment from UEFA after their fans displayed two pro Palestine banner during their match against Liverpool.
Here’s a clean news-style recap of that story:
Galatasaray Risk UEFA Sanction After Pro-Palestine Banners vs. Liverpool
Galatasaray may face disciplinary action from UEFA after fans displayed multiple pro-Palestine banners during their Champions League clash with Liverpool at Rams Park, Istanbul.
The Turkish supporters unveiled several large banners shortly after kick-off, carrying messages such as:
- “Humanity Lost Conscience in Gaza”
- “#LetGazaBabiesLive”
- “Palestinian Genocide”
- “Free Palestine”
While the protest drew international attention, UEFA regulations strictly prohibit political or ideological messaging inside stadiums.
The Rule in Question
Under Article 16(2)(e) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, clubs are liable if supporters transmit “provocative messages not fit for a sports event, particularly those of a political, ideological, religious or offensive nature.”
Punishments can range from fines to partial or full stadium closures.
Precedent
This is not the first time UEFA has acted on similar incidents. In 2023, Celtic were fined €17,500 (£15,276) after fans waved Palestinian flags during a Champions League match.
The Match Context
The incident came as Galatasaray took an early lead against Arne Slot’s Liverpool. The match was already a heated encounter, but the off-pitch scenes have now drawn UEFA’s attention and could overshadow events on the field.
Galatasaray Fans’ Pro-Palestine Banners Could Face UEFA Scrutiny, Outcome Uncertain
While Galatasaray may face sanctions for supporters displaying pro-Palestine banners during their Champions League clash with Liverpool, UEFA’s approach is not entirely consistent.
Last year, Paris Saint-Germain avoided punishment after fans unveiled a massive 50×20-metre “Free Palestine” tifo before a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at the Parc des Princes. UEFA stated:
“There will … be no disciplinary case because the banner that was unfurled cannot in this case be considered provocative or insulting.”
The PSG display occurred just days before France faced Israel in a Nations League game, yet no action was taken.
For Galatasaray, the governing body has not yet confirmed whether the banners at Rams Park violate its regulations. Clubs can be fined, partially banned, or forced to close sections of stadiums if messages are deemed political, ideological, or offensive—but UEFA’s final decision on this incident remains pending.
