Major League Soccer introduced a temporary measure last week prohibiting fans attending matches from bringing signs, banners, flags or Tifos that reference the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
A picture of a sign outside of FC Cincinnati’s stadium that was posted on social media on Saturday stated that the league changed its fan code of conduct to prohibit any “flags representing a country or nationality at MLS matches.” The Athletic contacted MLS for comment, and a league spokesperson said that there was no change to the code of conduct, but rather a temporary directive that began with matches on Oct. 14.
That directive asked that no new flags or signs related to the current conflict be permitted. MLS said the measure was discussed with clubs, and that clubs also spoke to supporters’ groups about the temporary measure.
The action comes following the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and subsequent war in Israel and Gaza.
Similar guidance has been issued in other parts of the world. This week, the English Premier League issued guidance to its clubs advising them to prohibit Israel and Palestine flags inside stadiums. The league said the decision has been taken after it consulted with safety organizations and Jewish groups, with this being one of their recommendations.
For England’s home fixtures against Australia and Italy during the October international break, the FA similarly prohibited flags and replica kits that were not of the teams competing on the day.
Some clubs, such as Tottenham, already have similar policies on flags from nations in conflict or that could be considered inflammatory. The English Football League (EFL) has recommended that clubs should not allow flags that represent Israel or Palestine to be brought into stadiums.
NWSL side Angel City FC also banned non-game-related flags amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Angel City’s La Fortaleza — the standing section in BMO Stadium that is home to the club’s six supporter groups — observed a five-minute silent demonstration during Sunday’s NWSL fixture against Portland Thorns in response to statements released by the club and its founders on its social channels.
On Oct. 12, the club’s founders — Kara Nortman, Julie Uhrman and Natalie Portman — released a statement regarding the conflict in Israel and Gaza: “We strongly condemn the horrific and heinous actions of Hamas against Israel. The indiscriminate murder of and violence against children and families by Hamas is terrorism.
“We stand resolutely against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. We pray for peace and the safety of all innocent people in the region.”
On the day of the team’s final regular-season game, the team announced, “Only representations relating to the two teams competing in today’s match will be allowed inside BMO Stadium,” citing “caution for the safety of our players, fans, and staff.”
During the game, a section of supporters in the lower area of the stands behind Angel City’s goal held a banner that read, “The Founders Don’t Speak For All.” Shortly after, several Palestinian flags were brandished around that area. The Palestinian flags were removed by security. The fans who held up the banner about the founders were not removed.
(Photo: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)