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Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid did not allow Palestinian flags to be brought into the stadium during its UEFA Champions League opener against French side Olympique Marseille. The incident took place at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where security officials closely monitored the entrance of supporters.
According to eyewitness accounts, Marseille fans who attempted to enter the venue carrying Palestinian flags were warned by stadium staff. Security personnel reportedly told them, “You cannot enter with a Palestinian flag.” As a result, several supporters were prevented from bringing the flags inside.
In addition to blocking entry, stadium security collected Palestinian flags from Marseille fans at the gates. These flags were then placed into trash bins near the entrance, drawing attention to the strict enforcement of the rule.
The opening week of the Champions League is a highly anticipated occasion across Europe, often accompanied by elaborate fan displays. In this case, however, the focus turned away from football when Real Madrid’s decision to prohibit Palestinian flags prompted questions over stadium entry rules and the limits placed on symbolic expressions by fans.
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