Tottenham issue ban on flags at Fulham match as stadium security ramped up

20 October 2023 , 18:00

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Tottenham issue ban on flags at Fulham match as stadium security ramped up

Tottenham have emailed fans to state that no national flags will be allowed at their match against Fulham on Monday.

The north London club said in a message to supporters with tickets that a Premier League match "is not an appropriate arena to display flags". Tottenham are looking to avoid any gestures that might result in political or religious acts which could be "considered inflammatory".

Clubs are having to ramp up their security measures as individuals and groups look to show their support for the ongoing war in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel. There are concerns that flags from either Palestine or Israel could have consequences and a decision has been made as a result.

Tottenham have said: "The club has always considered that a football match is a time to show allegiance to a football team first and foremost. A football match is not an appropriate arena to display flags of any political or religious affiliation or anything that could possibly be considered inflammatory – this can include national flags during times of political conflicts, campaigns or issues.

"We fully appreciate the sensitivities involved and thank you for your cooperation on this matter – we kindly ask supporters not to put our stewards in a difficult position when attending matches."

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Their statement comes after the Premier League issued guidance to all 20 clubs. They had consulted with safety organisations and Jewish groups, reports the Athletic, and urged teams to prohibit the use of flags. During the recent round of international fixtures, England hosted Australia and Italy and Wembley and the FA prohibited flags and replica kits that were not of the teams competing on the day.

No flags will be allowed at Tottenham's clash with Fulham

They also opted against lighting up the Wembley arch, despite previously doing so following terrorist attacks in France and Belgium as well as Russia's invasion into Ukraine.

Israel Football Association chief Moshe Zuares said: "Those who are afraid to light up a stadium in memory of the murdered and for the sake of historical truth, for reasons that cannot be understood at all, and perhaps it is better not to even try, are in an even darker time than the one my country is currently in."

He went on to add: "When this happens by the FA of a nation that always knows how to be a moral lighthouse for the free world, it is (more) disappointing than ever. I tried to explain this to my colleagues in the English FA several times in the past days but they insist not to understand. Now they are the one who need to explain."

Samuel Meade