UEFA, which penalized Demiral, plays 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' against racist banner...

Polish team Legia Warsaw, whose choreographies are now watched with apprehension due to their frequent use of offensive banners in the UEFA Conference League, has crossed the line this time with a banner containing brutality and hate speech.

According to a report by Selin Uludağ from Sputnik Turkey, the large banner unfurled during the football match played against Zaglebie Lubin in the Polish capital featured two men holding a baseball bat and a hammer, and a woman with a cross holding a pig's head, with the words "Refugees Welcome" written mockingly underneath. During the match, Legia fans chanted anti-refugee slogans.

Another element that sparked controversy was that the choreography was accompanied by music containing crude and hateful songs that openly called for hostility against refugees.

MERIH DEMIRAL WAS PENALIZED FOR THE 'GREY WOLF' GESTURE

UEFA, which immediately penalized Merih Demiral for celebrating a goal at Euro 2024 with the 'grey wolf' gesture—a symbol of Turkish identity—and prevented him from playing in a critical match, is silent this time.

However, this is not the first time UEFA has remained silent. Moreover, in the final match played immediately after the penalty imposed on the Turkish National Team, England fans came to the stadium wearing crusader costumes; not only was no sanction applied, but the images were shown on screens as 'fun moments.' This inaction, which drew the reaction of Turkish fans and officials, led to the perception of UEFA's decision on Merih Demiral as an 'unlawful and political stance.'

On the other hand, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reacted to Legia Warsaw's choreography.

UN ALSO REACTED: SPORT SHOULD NOT BE USED TO STIGMATIZE REFUGEES

Kevin J. Allen, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Poland, said, "I believe everyone would agree that sport should never be used to perpetuate hate speech and stigmatize refugees," and added:

"In its best traditions, sport represents the power of the spirit and overcoming challenges."

Although the incident falls under UEFA's jurisdiction, no steps have been taken, while even the Legia Warsaw management, following the UN's lead, criticized their fans and stated:

"The behavior of fans in the stadium or on social media does not represent the position of our club, which does everything to set a good example based on values such as respect, fair play, and helping those in need through our actions."

News Source: 12punto