The Nanterre Court sentenced the two fans, aged 19 and 21, to a €500 ($518) fine and barred them from attending matches for one year [Getty]
A French court has ruled in the case of two young men who unfurled a Palestinian flag during a basketball match between Nanterre and Israel’s Hapoel Holon, sentencing them to a fine and a ban from sporting events, according to French media reports.
The Nanterre Court sentenced the two fans, aged 19 and 21, to a €500 ($518) fine and barred them from attending matches for one year, citing their unauthorised entry into the competition area in a manner that could influence the course of the game.
However, the court dropped charges of violence against them, which stemmed from allegations that they had been involved in an altercation with a police officer and an Israeli fan.
The incident occurred on 18 December 2024, during a match in France, where the two young men had entered the court and unfurled the Palestinian flag.
Footage circulating on social media showed one of them being beaten by Israeli supporters, sparking controversy over the handling of the situation.
At the time, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) told The New Arab that it had condemned the violence but no Israelis were arrested.
It was not the first time Israeli fans have been linked to violence at sporting events.
In November, supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv led riots in Amsterdam ahead of their match against Dutch club Ajax.
The aggressive fans were seen tearing down Palestinian flags from private properties, chanting anti-Arab slogans, and engaging in violent clashes.
Videos widely shared on social media show Maccabi supporters vandalising property, attacking a local taxi driver, and even confronting law enforcement officials.
At least 71 people were arrested, including 49 Dutch nationals or residents and 10 Israelis.
