Football club chairman claims Palestinian conflict has ‘same ingredients’ as Ukraine
Forest Green Rovers chair Dale Vince defends flying the Palestinian flag at the club's stadium saying the 'conflict there has all the same ingredients as the one in Ukraine.'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The chairman of Forest Green Rovers Football Club has claimed the Palestinian flag was flown at their stadium because the “conflict there has all the same ingredients as the one in Ukraine.”
In a statement that was criticised by some fans, Dale Vince, chair of the high-flying Sky Bet League Two side, said both conflicts involved “invasion, occupation, murder of civilians, destruction of homes and hospitals – and sieges.“
Multi-millionaire green activist Vince added he wanted to show “solidarity” with Palestine during Monday’s game against Oldham Athletic by flying the flag at the Gloucestershire club’s New Lawn Stadium.
He tweeted:”Palestine has been under siege by Israel – by air, land and sea, for decades.
“The US allows this, pumps billions into Israel to support it’s economy and military and uses its veto to block any meaningful action by the UN.
“What’s happening there is a disgrace to nations that collectively self identify as the ‘West’.
“It stands in stark contradiction to ‘our’ claims to moral superiority, civilisation and democratic values. Has to be said.”
We flew this flag at FGR’s game today. In solidarity with Palestine.
The conflict there has all the same ingredients as the one in Ukraine – invasion, occupation, murder of civilians, destruction of homes and hospitals – and sieges. pic.twitter.com/D6a2nqCuMz
— Dale Vince (@DaleVince) April 18, 2022
As the £100million owner of Forest Green Rovers who calls himself the ‘Zero Carbonista’, Vince has regularly spoken out on climate issues.
But after his pro-Palestinian intervention he was criticised by several Twitter users.
Andrei Grayson wrote:”What an embarrassing way to use a football club. You should be completely ashamed. Not only is this gross misinformation, it’s a stain on your very well run club.”
Another tweet posted by someone naming themselves DSMGP added:”I was becoming a fan of @FGRFC_Official due to its climate ethos, going to games since moving to the area but this geopolitical statement will make me backtrack. Israel is the only democracy on the region. This is a poor choice politicising the club.”
Palestine has been under siege by Israel – by air, land and sea, for decades.
The US allows this, pumps billions into Israel to support it’s economy and military and uses its veto to block any meaningful action by the UN.
— Dale Vince (@DaleVince) April 18, 2022
Others expressed support for the chairman’s stance though.
In May 2020 Vince had called Israel’s actions against the Palestinian the greatest global injustice of his lifetime and that the club were moving on from the manufacturer Puma.
Last month Vince announced he was selling his renewable energy firm Ecotricity to move into politics.
Forest Green Rovers, who sell vegan food only in their ground, are set to be promoted to League One this season.
Jewish News has contacted the ELF for comment on the decision to fly the Palestinian flag at the game, and asked Forest Green’s press office to explain Vince’s comparison between Israeli actions with the invasion of Ukraine.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
