Israel football fans’ ‘murderers’ banner causes outrage in Poland at Europa Conference game
Why a banner from Israeli football supporters sparked anger
- Israeli football fans sparked outrage in Poland by displaying a banner reading "Murderers since 1939" during a Europa Conference League match against a Polish team in Hungary.
- The provocative message, unfurled by supporters of Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, drew immediate condemnation from Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski.
- The Israeli Embassy in Warsaw also condemned the banner, stating there is no place for such words or actions, and that they do not reflect the spirit of most Israeli fans.
- The year 1939 marks the beginning of the Second World War and the Nazi occupation of Poland, during which millions of Polish citizens, including three million Jews, perished.
- UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against both Maccabi Haifa and Rakow Czestochowa for transmitting a message not fit for a sports event, with the banner possibly a response to a previous Polish banner referencing the Gaza conflict.