Premier League to issue guidance on match day protocols amid war in Israel and Gaza

The Premier League is expected to issue guidance to clubs regarding a range of match day operational matters due to the war in Israel and Gaza.

The Athletic has learnt messaging will be issued prior to the resumption of matches on October 21 with one of the topics that clubs are due to receive renewed guidance on being the possession of politically sensitive material inside stadiums such as flags and banners.

Discussions will take place with all 20 clubs which is expected to account for the actions of supporters as well as those working at grounds.

The Football Association said that they will only permit “flags, replica kits and other representations of nationality for the competing nations” for England’s international fixtures with Australia and Italy at Wembley Stadium on Friday and Tuesday.

Clubs in the Premier League already pay close attention to politically motivated materials being displayed in grounds.

“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,” says advice issued to fans by Tottenham Hotspur.

Israeli flags have been seen at Spurs matches this season in support of Manor Solomon, while Palestinian flags have been taken on to the field of play in recent years by the likes of Paul Pogba, Riyad Mahrez and Hamza Choudhury.

The Premier League’s move will coincide with a moment of silence being observed and black armbands being worn by players as a mark of respect for those that have lost their lives.

Due to the sensitivities surrounding the current climate in Israel and Gaza, attention is expected to be given to fans who choose to show their support for either side of the conflict.

Those working at grounds, including media, will also face scrutiny following two separate incidents at the Arsenal vs Manchester City game. The Athletic reported earlier this week that BeIN Sports have reprimanded commentator Issam Chaouali due to controversial comments made during the broadcast of the game.

The broadcaster has also confirmed that they asked another employee, who works on their Arabic service, to remove a Palestinian kufiya (traditional scarf).

Pitchside reporter Ibrahim Khadra removed the item after the situation was escalated by the Premier League due to him working for an official rights holding broadcaster. One source who witnessed the incident — who chose to remain anonymous to protect relationships — said that several members of the media were visibly distressed by the show of support.

“I felt it was my responsibility to send a message of support for the Palestinian people suffering,” Khadra told The Athletic. “They needed to feel there was someone who cared, especially for my family in Gaza. I didn’t wear it to offend anyone, just a message of support for people. That was the main reason for it.”

Chaouali’s commentary, which BeIN admitted was not appropriate, remains as a clip on his Instagram page, while Khadra’s post wearing his scarf at the Emirates Stadium also remains.

BeIN told The Athletic that they “require apolitical neutrality and broadcast coverage that focuses on sport”, however it’s understood that they allow free speech on personal social media platforms as long as it doesn’t extend to hate speech.

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(Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)