Chelsea are seeking clarification from the Premier League over whether fans can hang a banner featuring the Star of David.
The club told the Chelsea Israeli Supporters’ Club that a banner that has been displayed at Stamford Bridge for eight years would have to be taken down, after the Premier League issued clubs with guidance not to allow Israel and Palestine flags into grounds amid the war in the Middle East.
The Chelsea Israeli Supporters’ Club has branded the move “anti-Semitic”.
Chelsea say they have followed Premier League guidance. But the Premier League insist that any decision was left to Chelsea, who are now seeking further clarification after the confusion.
Chelsea have offered to pay for, and make, a new banner that will display only the text of the Israeli Supporters’ Group.
מצורף העדכון שנשלח מוקדם יותר לחברי מועדון האוהדים שלנו👇 pic.twitter.com/jKPCjezvLe
— Official Chelsea Supporters club in Israel (@CFCILOfficial) October 22, 2023
Yarin Levi, secretary of the Chelsea Israeli Supporters’ Club, told the Telegraph: “The Premier League [is effectively saying] there is no room for racism unless you are Jewish. Surely it’s either all religious symbols are allowed into the grounds or no religious symbols are allowed into the grounds.
“It’s super offensive. The Star of David is really part of our identity and it has caused a lot of upset and anger in the group.
"The club told us the Premier League would not allow it under their guidance, but if the League says something else it is hard to know who to believe.”
