Football fans around the world rally for a sports boycott of Israel
Football fans across the world are unfurling “show Israel the red card" banners and displaying red cards at matches to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and to call for a suspension of Israel from international matches.
The protest, which began during a Celtic FC and Bayern Munich Champions League match on 12 February, has inspired similar demonstrations in support of Palestinians in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Ireland, Turkey and Malaysia.
"At the start of the second half, please Show 'Israel' the Red Card to send a direct message to Uefa (Union of European Football Associations) and Fifa (International Federation of Association Football) to apply their respective statutes and suspend 'Israel' from competition,” a red leaflet distributed by the Celtic’s Green Brigades ultras read.
“By doing so, you will not only be doing the right thing but you will be joining football fans of conscience and courage around the world who will be adopting the same message.”
A few days later in Spain, fans of Osasuna in Pamplona displayed a banner that read "Show Israel the red card" alongside the Palestinian flag during a La Liga match against Real Madrid.
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In Greece, fans of Aris Thessaloniki waved a banner featuring the slogan, as well as the Palestinian flag.
The “Show Israel the Red Card” movement we have seen for the last few weeks in stadiums everywhere might be one of the biggest revolutions led by football fans in recent history.
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) February 22, 2025
Why is mainstream sports media actively ignoring it? No reaction, nor coverage on it whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/QDoBiAU3iq
In Turkey, Galatasaray and Bursaspor fans have also expressed their support for the Green Brigade’s campaign.
Fans of the Bursapor football club thanked the Green Brigade for starting the campaign, adding “We are proud to stand alongside supporters across the world who advocate for peace and justice... Football should bring people together, not serve as a platform for oppression”.
Israel has killed at least 724 Palestinian athletes and scouts, including 382 footballers since the start of its assault on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
Sports boycott calls
Campaigns to ban Israel from participation in international sports competitions are not new.
In 2013, a “Red Card Israeli Racism” movement saw groups across Europe campaigning for a sports boycott of Israel during the Uefa championship.
Osasuna fans respond to the call from Green Brigade (@NCCeltic) to 'Show Israel the Red Card' and raise thousands of red cards at their game today versus Real Madrid.
— Liam O'Hare (@Liam_O_Hare) February 15, 2025
It's believed there are dozens of other actions planned at stadiums across the world over the next few weeks. pic.twitter.com/2xcXUh9XuQ
In January 2023, the West Asian Football Federation made up of 12 associations called on Fifa to ban Israel from football competitions.
In December 2024, following an effective global boycott campaign led by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions), Puma confirmed the end of its sponsorship campaign with the Israel Football Association (IFA).
In May, the PFA called on Fifa to suspend the IFA over its war on Gaza, accusing Israel of international law violations and discrimination against Arab players. Fifa decided not to suspend Israel from the international football league, but asked for a disciplinary investigation to examine the discrimination allegations.
Ultras Khalele, Shabab Al Khaleel SC - Hebron, Cisgiordania (12/2)
— Pallonate in Faccia @pallonateinfaccia.bsky.social (@pallonatefaccia) February 16, 2025
Lajee Celtic - Aida Refugee Camp, Cisgiordania (14/2)
First Cork City Brigade, Cork City - Irlanda (14/2)
Chavs 71, AD Alcorcón - Spagna (14/2)
👇 pic.twitter.com/xkqtN9bpg8
The Green Brigades is a Celtic FC supporter ultra group formed in 2006 and are known for their decorative tifos often depicting their unwavering support for Palestine over the years, and particularly in the last 15 months.
The group has, at times, been at odds with the club over their support for Palestine.
In October 2023 during a Uefa Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, the members of the group flew the Palestinian flag despite the club’s call to the contrary.
The Green Brigades said their “Show Israel the red card" campaign aims to highlight Israel’s breaching of international law and urged football fans around the world to follow suit.
“Israel is committing genocide and ethnic cleansing; it is practising apartheid; and it is illegally occupying Palestinian territory. All of this is in breach of international law.
“We call on football fans around the world who value life, humanity, dignity, freedom, peace and justice to be courageous and to use your platform to stand against the crimes of 'Israel' and stand with Palestine," the group continued.
"If the football world unites to isolate 'Israel', then other arenas will inevitably follow this example."
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