Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is tightening security measures following a controversial pro-Palestine banner displayed by supporters, which drew significant criticism and government attention. A meeting with key officials emphasized the need for accountability and the separation of sports from politics. PSG has banned the Collectif Ultras Paris from the Parc des Princes on non-match days and will pre-screen tifos to prevent political messages, potentially leading to a lack of tifos in the Auteuil stand until year’s end.
PSG Enhances Security Measures Following Controversial Tifo Incident
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to implement stricter regulations concerning its supporters, responding to recent events that have caught the attention of the government. This outcome stems from a meeting held at the Ministry of Sports in Paris, attended by key figures including Sports Minister Gil Avérous, Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez, and PSG’s new General Director Victoriano Melero, along with the club’s security director, Michel Besnard.
Government Calls for Accountability After Tifo Display
The meeting was convened by the government the day after a significant pro-Palestine banner was displayed in the Auteuil stand during a match against Atlético, which PSG lost 1-2. The Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP) described their action as a “call for peace,” but PSG quickly distanced itself, asserting that the club had no prior knowledge of the banner and firmly opposes any political statements in its stadium. The incident drew widespread condemnation, with officials labeling it “unacceptable” and a potential “call to hatred.” The Minister of the Interior emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation between sports and politics, stressing that unity must be preserved within the stadium.
In light of previous incidents, such as homophobic chants during a match against Strasbourg, the government expressed the need for effective measures to address these issues. Participants of the meeting communicated that any insufficient response from PSG would be under scrutiny, highlighting that the Ministry of the Interior expects appropriate action to be taken.
In a proactive move, PSG has already begun implementing several measures, including an indefinite ban on the CUP’s access to the Parc des Princes outside match days. This decision follows the club’s commitment to combating discrimination and maintaining a respectful environment at its events. Furthermore, PSG will now pre-screen tifos to ensure they do not contain any political messages, which may result in the absence of tifos in the Auteuil stand until the end of the year.
The government reiterated its expectations for PSG to uphold its responsibilities concerning the deployment of tifos that contain provocative or inappropriate messages. Following this incident, there is speculation that the government aims to use this situation as a precedent, emphasizing the importance of keeping sporting events free from political influences. PSG’s next match at Parc des Princes is scheduled for November 22 against Toulouse, marking a critical moment for the club as it navigates these new challenges.