Palestine is football’s taboo: You won’t hear Gaza in the press box, you will in the stands by Leyla Hamed

Just weeks ago, as Israel escalated attacks on Iran, Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur quietly blocked dozens of its own fans, not for hate speech or abuse, but for criticising Israeli footballer Manor Solomon’s vocal support for the Israeli military. These were loyal fans, ones who had stood by the club for years. But the moment they spoke up for Palestine, they were cast aside.

Tottenham later confirmed to the press that the bans were given in response to posts “about the conflict in the Middle East,” and while the club later issued an apology, it didn’t feel like a mistake; it felt like a warning — supporting Palestine comes with consequences. 

While Tottenham’s own fans were being shut down, Solomon continued to share messages of support for the Israeli army, the same military committing daily war crimes, flattening hospitals, forcing famine, and committing genocide. The club made no comment, launched no review, and imposed no consequences.