French man defies security measures, raises Palestinian flag at Stade de France

In defiance of stringent security measures implemented by France’s Ministry of the Interior, a young Frenchman raised the Palestinian flag during France’s match against "Israel" at the Stade de France.

Emmanuel Hoarau, the supporter who took this stand, shared a photo of himself holding the flag on X, with a message addressing the French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.

Pas une seule mesure de restriction de la liberté d’expression ne peut faire oublier le massacre de civils en cours à Gaza @BrunoRetailleau. Même au Stade de France, #FreePalestine !#FRAISR pic.twitter.com/mR88s7loOm

— Emmanuel Hoarau (@EmmanuelHoarau_) November 14, 2024

"Not a single measure restricting freedom of expression can make us forget the ongoing massacre of civilians in Gaza @BrunoRetailleau," Hoarau posted. "Even at the Stade de France, #FreePalestine!"

The Ministry had deployed thousands of officers to prevent potential unrest, recalling incidents in Amsterdam two weeks prior, where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans incited clashes by making inflammatory chants and tearing a Palestinian flag.