Multiple Palestine flags held up at Anfield during Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, despite the Premier League banning flags from matches this weekend to avoid potential incidents

• Premier League banned Israel and Palestine flags from matches this weekend 
• Multiple Palestine flags were held up at Anfield during the Merseyside derby
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Multiple Palestine flags have been spotted at Anfield for the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, despite the Premier League issuing a ban on them and Israel flags amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Premier League and EFL confirmed flags were prohibited on Thursday for matches this weekend as they looked to avoid any potential incidents in stadiums.

However, Palestinian flags were still held up by fans inside Anfield for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions have risen in the Middle East over the last couple of weeks following Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.

In the aftermath of the attacks, the FA opted not to light up the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israel flag for England’s games against Australia – a decision that drew criticism.

Multiple Palestine flags were held up by supporters at Anfield during the Merseyside derby

A minute’s silence was held prior to kick-off to pay respect to the victims on both sides of the conflict between Israel and Palestine

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The Wembley arch has previously been lit up support the LGBTQ+ community and Ukraine following Russia’s invasion last year. 

Instead, they held a minute’s silence prior to England’s friendly with Australia, while players wore black armbands to remember the victims on both sides of the conflict.

Israel and Palestine flags were also banned for the games at Wembley, although an Israel flag was held up by one supporter during the Australia fixture.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have reiterated the Premier League’s message on flags in an email to fans ahead of their home match against Fulham on Monday night.

Their statement to fans read: ‘The club has always considered that a football match is a time to show allegiance to a football team first and foremost.

‘A football match is not an appropriate arena to display flags of any political or religious affiliation or anything that could possibly be considered inflammatory – this can include national flags during times of political conflicts, campaigns or issues.

‘We fully appreciate the sensitivities involved and thank you for your cooperation on this matter – we kindly ask supporters not to put our stewards in a difficult position when attending matches.’

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