Seedy Blatterworld doesn’t like flags that are “too political”

UEFA have recently fined Celtic, Saint Johnstone and Dundalk thousands of Euros because their fans displayed the Palestinian flag during European matches. UEFA used Article 16 (2) (e) of their “Disciplinary Regulations on Order and Security” to prosecute these clubs.

Article 16 (2) (e) states:

“All associations and clubs are liable for the following inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives.

“The use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious or provocative nature will not be tolerated.”

I wasn’t aware of Article 16 (2) (e) until a few weeks ago yet now I wonder whether I’ll embroil Bangor City in a costly diplomatic incident with another display like this.

Let’s look at Article 16 (2) (e) ‘s hollow words again.

“The use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious or provocative nature will not be tolerated.”

UEFA are so concerned about preventing messages that are not fit for a sporting event they allow McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Gazprom to sponsor their events.