Dundalk face fine for Palestine flag flown during Europa League qualifier

Dundalk have been fined €18,000 by UEFA because a Palestine flag was flown at Oriel Park during their match against Hajduk Split in July.

Dundalk have been fined €18,000 by UEFA because a Palestine flag was flown at Oriel Park during their match against Hajduk Split.

A UEFA official who was at the match in July noticed the flag before kick-off and asked for its removal. The flag was taken down but reappeared during the game.

A source from the club told the Irish Independent Dundalk have received notice of the fine but are waiting to read the full judgement before deciding whether to appeal.

The fine would be a huge financial blow to the League of Ireland club, given that the prize for winning the SSE Airtricity League this season is €100,000.

It is understood that the Palestine flag is regarded as a political symbol by UEFA because Palestine are involved in an on-going conflict.