During the match played between France’s Nanterre and Israel’s Hapoel Holon basketball teams, a young man carrying a Palestinian flag was attacked by Israeli fans as he walked onto the field. The incident caused widespread repercussions on social media.
VIOLENCE IN THE GRAND
During the match played in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, the young man who went onto the field with the Palestinian flag escaped from the security guards and headed towards the stands. However, he was beaten by Israeli fans. The images spread on social media revealed the attack the young man was subjected to and the tension experienced.
POLICE INTERVENTION CREATED A DEBATE
The police intervened at the scene and took a harsh stance against the pro-Palestinian fans while removing the Israeli fans. The police intervention drew reaction with allegations of bias.
COURT DECISIONS AND PROHIBITIONS
Before the match, the Administrative Court of Cergy-Pontoise annulled the decision of the Municipality of Nanterre to play the match without spectators. In addition, the demonstration planned by Palestinian supporters was also banned.
SOCIAL TENSION IS DEEPENING
This incident once again brought to the fore the risk of political tensions turning into violence in sports competitions. The attack on a young man carrying a Palestinian flag and the intervention of the police are considered as a reflection of the tensions between different segments of society in France.
