UEFA deliver new message on Gaza before PSG vs Tottenham after Salah criticism

UEFA presented a message to the world ahead of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain’s Super Cup final

UEFA have delivered a message calling for children and civilians to stop being killed amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The European governing body saw a banner displayed ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash between Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening.

The banner laid out on the pitch in front of the teams, read: “Stop killing children. Stop killing civilians.” The message has been captured as the sides lined up for their pre-match photograph with UEFA iconography in the background.

On social media, UEFA reiterated their message to an audience beyond those watching the match between the Champions League and Europa League winners in Italy. UEFA said: “From the UEFA Super Cup in Udine, the message is loud and clear. A banner. A call.”

The Nyon-based federation came for criticism over the weekend when they paid tribute to a footballer known as the ‘Palestinian Pele’ following his death. Suleiman al-Obeid was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA).

Obeid was killed when civilians waiting for humanitarian aid were attacked by Israeli forces say the PFA. The 41-year-old is survived by his wife and children, and his family have seen tributes pour in as he was recognised as one ‘of the brightest stars of Palestinian football’.

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“Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pelé’,” the body posted on soocial media. “A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah called out UEFA on social media, seemingly firmly unimpressed with their contribution. The Egypt international quoted UEFA’s message and quickly highlighted his issues with their post on Obeid.

“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Salah posted on X.

Following Obei’s death, the PFA reported that the football is just one of hundreds of sportspeople to have lost their lives in Gaza. At least 662 athletes and their relatives are said to have been killed during Israeli assaults, as of the weekend.

“The number of footballers killed or who died from starvation has reached 421, including 103 children,” the PFA said.

Salah has previously spoken out on the devastation taking place in the Middle East. “It’s not always easy to speak in times like these,” he said.

“There has been too much violence and too much heartbreaking brutality. The escalation in recent weeks is unbearable to witness.

“All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart. What is clear now is that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately. The people there are in terrible conditions.

“The scenes at the hospital last night were horrifying. The people of Gaza need food, water and medical supplies urgently. I’m calling on the world leaders to come together to prevent further slaughter of all innocent souls. Humanity must prevail.”

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