Football club chairman claims Palestinian conflict has ‘same ingredients’ as Ukraine

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.”

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.”

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.