The French government is investigating PSG following a ‘Free Palestine’ banner displayed by their fans before a Champions League match. The club is also making headlines with a massive bid to sign Aston Villa forward Duran, who has been in stellar form this season. While security concerns mount for upcoming fixtures, PSG’s focus is on bolstering its squad as it looks to part ways with striker Goncalo Ramos.
PSG Under Investigation for ‘Free Palestine’ Banner
The French government may sanction Paris Saint-Germain following a banner displayed by their fans before the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. A large tifo showing support for Palestine was raised by a section of the crowd prior to kick-off.
Before the match began, a massive banner reading ‘FREE PALESTINE‘ was unfurled behind one of the goals. The ‘i’ in “Palestine” was designed to resemble a map of Israel, featuring the colors of a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf.
The banner also featured an image of a bloodied Palestinian flag alongside a child wearing a shirt with the flag of Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in conflict with the Hezbollah terrorist group.
Beneath the large tifo, a smaller banner read: “War on the pitch, but peace in the world.” Later in the match, another message appeared asking: “Does a child’s life in Gaza mean less than another?”
French interior minister Bruno Retailleau has not dismissed the possibility of PSG facing sanctions over the banners, stating on Sud Radio: “I’m not ruling anything out. I will ask PSG for an explanation.”
According to The Telegraph, the club stated they were not informed of any plans to display such a message in the stands before the match.
In a statement, they added: “Paris Saint-Germain recalls that the Parc des Princes is, and must remain, a place of communion around a common passion for soccer and firmly opposes any message of a political nature in its stadium.”
Clubs have faced fines for similar incidents where fans showed support for Palestine. Last year, UEFA fined Celtic £14,500 after supporters waved Palestinian flags during a Champions League match.
The governing body accused Celtic fans of displaying “provocative and offensive messages” and imposed an additional £10,000 fine on the Scottish club for supporters blocking passageways and using pyrotechnics.
The PSG incident occurred just days before France’s upcoming match against Israel at the Parc des Princes next week. While fans will be allowed to attend, security concerns have been raised ahead of the Nations League fixture.
Belgium was recently compelled to play their home game against Israel in Hungary due to organizational difficulties. A statement explained: “No local administration deemed it possible to organize the Red Devils’ home match against Israel.”
PSG Readies Massive Offer to Sign Aston Villa Forward
Duran is having an outstanding season with Unai Emery’s team, so it’s no surprise that his services are attracting interest.
According to Fichajes and reported by Teamtalk, PSG, the French champions, are looking to offload striker Goncalo Ramos in order to sign Duran from Villa.
Duran has made a strong impression not only in the Premier League this season but also in the Champions League, especially with his stunning goal against Bayern Munich at Villa Park.
The forward has eight goals this season, including four in the league, two in the League Cup, and one in the Champions League.
The Premier League club is expected to demand £80 million to sell Duran, and it remains to be seen whether Luis Enrique’s side will meet that asking price.
Ramos has struggled to make an impact at PSG this season, with his fitness problems frustrating the Ligue 1 club.
PSG are now set to pursue a move for the Premier League star, who has excelled as a super sub this season.
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