The Premier League reminded clubs before the season started that material considered 'politically motivated' would not be permitted in stadiums. This included symbolism of countries in conflict, and the implementation of this guidance was to be left to individual clubs and security teams at stadiums.
This comes after Brighton & Hove Albion fan Roger Wade alleged that he had been banned for five games for wearing a Palestinian shirt during the club's season-opening 1-1 draw at home to Fulham.
The club have since released a statement insisting that "no supporter had been sanctioned for failing to comply with the Premier League rules on displaying flags and other material representing countries in conflict."
Premier League Reminds Clubs About Sanctioning "Politically Motivated Material"
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Brighton's media team also stated that "individuals unwilling to comply with our stewards’ requests in relation to these rules, or any other ground regulations, could find themselves liable to further sanctions".
Wade, who is the founder of the food and retail park chain, Boxpark, will be banned from attending any of the Seagulls' next five home Premier League matches. He is also unable to enter club property for the duration of his ban, and this is reportedly because "he was adjudged to have failed to comply with the matchday stewards' requests", per The Athletic.
The fixtures that Wade, who also founded British fashion label Boxfresh, includes Brighton's games at the Amex against Manchester City (August 31), Tottenham Hotspur (September 20), Newcastle United (October 18), Leeds United (November 1) and Brentford (November 11).
This guidance has been implemented for several seasons and is also shared by the Premier League with the English Football League and the Football Association. A similar situation occurred on the weekend in the EFL Championship.
Wrexham had initially banned Sheffield Wednesday fans from using banners inside the Racecourse Ground because of "political connotations". The Welsh club reversed the decision after significant backlash due to the circumstances surrounding Sheffield Wednesday fans protesting against owner Dejphon Chansiri.
How Do Clubs Take Action Against Potential Breaches?
The process of sanctioning those who do not comply with the guidance begins with the club and security staff making a decision on whether a breach has occurred. It is then down to the club's Ground Safety Officer (GSO) to consider the appropriate course of action.
In the case of Wade, the Premier League is said to have advised clubs to prohibit Israeli and Palestinian flags inside stadiums. This guideline came into effect in October 2023, the same month armed conflict in the Gaza Strip and Israel began.