UEFA on Thursday blocked the family of kidnapped Israeli teen Rom Braslavski from displaying banners calling for his return at Beitar Jerusalem’s home match against Riga in the Conference League qualifiers.
Braslavski’s brother and friends, supporters of Beitar Jerusalem, traveled to the match after fans raised funds to cover their trip. The banners left outside the stadium featured Braslavski’s photo and slogans reading, “I am asking for my brother,” “Bring back Rom,” and “The voice of my brother’s blood is calling to me from the tunnels – Bring Rom and the rest of our hostages home.”
The move drew criticism from family members and Israeli officials. Braslavski’s brother, Amit Braslavski, said, “Yesterday, UEFA allowed a giant banner calling to stop killing children and civilians. Today, they prevent us from raising banners calling for Rom’s return home. This is not just hypocrisy; it is antisemitism.”
Hostage survivor Emily Damari criticized UEFA on Instagram, saying the organization “is trying to rewrite reality in favor of one side” while ignoring atrocities committed against Israelis and the ongoing captivity of 50 Israeli civilians in Gaza, who have endured deliberate starvation, abuse, and torture for nearly two years.
Israel Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman added, “UEFA has crossed every red line. Instead of showing humanity and morality, they decided to forbid raising a banner with Rom Braslavski’s photo and a plea for his life, while anti-Israel banners are displayed freely. This hypocrisy and disgrace will be remembered forever.”
The decision came shortly after UEFA permitted two children from Gaza to participate in the European Super Cup medal ceremony and refugee children in Italy to display a banner at the match opening calling to “Stop killing children – Stop killing civilians.”