Dr David Cumin
Spokesperson
Free Speech Union

The Wellington Phoenix have spoken to Israeli striker Tomer Hemed after he wrapped himself in the flag of his homeland to celebrate a winning goal, saying the club needs to be “sensitive” to both sides of the Gaza conflict.

It comes after Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa criticized Hemed two weeks ago, saying he “crossed the line when, after scoring a winning goal, he ran to a group of Israeli supporters, took one of their Israeli flags and wrapped himself in it.”

What line was that? The line where the Palestine Solidarity Network feels it has the right to police Israeli people’s expression of their nationality and peoplehood?

Fans are now being asked to refrain from bringing national flags to the Phoenix’s New Zealand home games due to growing tensions in the Middle East. Only New Zealand and Australian national flags will be permitted for display at upcoming games.

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