FACT CHECK: Did Soccer Fans Chant in Support of Palestine During FIFA World Cup?

Joseph Casieri | Fact Check Reporter

A video shared on Facebook purportedly shows fans at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar chanting in support of Palestine.

Verdict: False

The video is not from the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The chant took place during a 2019 football match, while the chant was in support of Gaza after an Israeli attack killed two civilians.

Fact Check:

Germany’s team showed solidarity with the Iranian protesters for Women’s rights by covering their mouths during a team photo before last week’s match against Japan, ESPN reported. USA’s soccer coach has recently apologized for his team’s social media post that altered the Iranian flag in a demonstration against the country’s treatment of women, Axios reported.

The Facebook post shared a video of fans at a soccer stadium chanting in solidarity with Palestine. The subtitles claim the chants include “Where are the arabs/They are asleep” (5-6) and “May God protect you/From the opression of the enemy brothers/and the greedy Jews” (8-10).

“Great moment,” the caption reads. “First time in world’s History. Whole Qatar FIFA stadium sung together unitedly in favor of Palestine against Jews and Israel.”

The post’s caption is inaccurate. The video dates back to 2019 when fans chanted in a Moroccan soccer stadium, “Palestine, Palestine” and “Gaza, we will never let you down.” This demonstration took place in the aftermath of a deadly event that resulted in the death of three Palestinian civilians in Gaza, according to Morocco World News.

There is no credible news report that suggests this incident took place at the 2022 World Cup. (RELATED: Did FIFA Announce A Plan To Extend World Cup Matches In Qatar By 10 Minutes?)

Since 2010, when the decision was made, there has been much controversy surrounding Qatar hosting the World Cup. Israelis have reportedly been looked down on by fans, locals and officials attending the World Cup, according to The Jerusalem Post.

This is not the first time a video has been shared with an inaccurate caption Check Your Fact recently debunked a post claiming that Arizona election ballots fell down an escalator.

Joseph Casieri

Fact Check Reporter

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