Euro 2024, Europe’s biggest football tournament, will begin in Germany with 51 matches across 10 cities. The event poses a big policing challenge in light of ongoing protests against Germany’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The ambiguous stance on allowing Palestinian flags at the tournament complicates matters, with UEFA’s rules prohibiting “political” expressions inside stadiums and “political and/or religious demonstrations” outside them.
The German police’s heavy-handed tactics during domestic leagues, including the use of pepper spray and tear gas, raise concerns about their response to potential Palestine solidarity protests at the Euros. Amidst the uncertainty, European football fans and players continue to express opposition to the Gaza genocide. However, UEFA and German authorities are unlikely to tolerate such displays, according to experts.
As a freelance journalist based in London, Shahla Omar sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding the Euros and the geopolitical context shaping decisions around political expressions at the tournament.