UEFA has defended a banner displayed during the UEFA Super Cup match, which read 'Stop Killing Children', insisting it was not a political statement. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials, who accused the governing body of bias.
The incident comes just days after Liverpool star Mohamed Salah faced backlash for paying tribute to the late Palestinian footballer 'Palestinian Pele' Mansour Bahrani. Salah's gesture was seen by some as a show of solidarity with Palestine, further fueling tensions in the football world.
UEFA's Response
In a statement, UEFA clarified that the banner was part of a broader campaign against violence in sport and was not intended as a political message. 'The message was purely humanitarian and aligns with UEFA's commitment to protecting children worldwide,' a spokesperson said.
Israeli Outrage
Israeli officials, however, condemned the display, calling it a 'one-sided and inflammatory act'. The Israeli Football Association demanded an explanation from UEFA, accusing the organisation of ignoring the suffering of Israeli children affected by conflict.
The controversy highlights the increasingly politicised nature of football, where gestures and messages on the pitch often spark heated debates beyond the sport itself.
