Football stadiums in North Africa, typically exempt from the stringent political scrutiny seen elsewhere, have become a platform for expressing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Fans, seizing on this rare outlet, are reviving old chants and staging choreographed displays to advocate for Palestine. Since October 8, when Hamas initiated an attack on Israel, supporters of Raja Club Athletic in Casablanca have resurrected a poignant anthem lamenting the plight of Palestine.
This sentiment has resonated across the Arab world, with fans in Algiers showcasing elaborate tifos featuring symbolic figures draped in keffiyeh scarves and calls for a “free Palestine.”
According to Moroccan sociologist Abderrahim Bourkia, football ultras, known for their unwavering support and solidarity with the oppressed, have naturally aligned themselves with the Palestinian cause.
In stadiums throughout North Africa, banners condemning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have become commonplace, alongside pledges to avenge Palestinian children and support resistance fighters in Gaza’s tunnels.
Despite the risks associated with expressing political dissent, supporters, interviewed anonymously, underscored the importance of voicing their concerns within the relative safety of the stadium.
Seif, a member of the Zapatista Ultras in Tunis, emphasized how the Palestinian cause has united fans, alongside local grievances such as corruption and police brutality.
However, this activism occurs against a backdrop of repression, with governments in the region increasingly curbing freedom of assembly and expression, particularly in the wake of the Arab Spring.
Ultras, often viewed with suspicion by authorities, are determined to assert their social and political viewpoints through football.
Mohamed Jouili, a sociology professor, highlights the symbiotic relationship between sports and politics, noting that ultras seek to demonstrate their agency and societal concerns beyond their reputation as fervent football supporters.
Abdelhamid, a member of the Amor e Mentalita ultras in Algeria, stresses the stadium’s role as a catalyst for truth and accountability, exemplified by graffiti demanding “Free Palestine” in Algiers’ historic Casbah neighborhood.
While ultras have been stigmatized as instigators of violence, some argue against blanket punishment, urging authorities to recognize their right to expression.
Despite the challenges and risks, supporters remain resolute in their commitment to advocating for Palestine within the confines of the stadium.
Hamza, echoing this sentiment, emphasizes the resilience of fans in the face of adversity, declaring their unwavering determination to continue chanting for causes they believe in.
As political tensions persist and repression mounts, the football stadium emerges as an unlikely but powerful arena for social and political expression in North Africa.
