Hundreds of protesters across Britain have called for a boycott of Puma over its sponsorship of the Israeli Football Association (IFA), which includes teams from illegal settlements on Palestinian land.
The protesters targeted Puma outlets and stockists on Saturday, as part of a global day of action following recent attacks on Palestinian communities by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers.
In Manchester, fans of Manchester City FC, which is also sponsored by Puma, joined the demonstration and urged the club to end its ties with the sportswear company.
The protesters held up photos of Palestinian footballers who were killed or injured by Israeli occupation forces, and chanted “Puma, Puma, you can’t hide, we can see your dirty side”.
They also handed out leaflets to shoppers and passers-by, explaining how Puma’s sponsorship of the IFA violates international law and human rights.
The action was supported by more than 200 Palestinian football teams, who have appealed to Puma to terminate its deal with the IFA.
The IFA oversees football teams that are based in illegal settlements across the West Bank, which are built on land stolen from Palestinians and condemned by the United Nations.
The Israeli settlements are also a major obstacle to peace and justice in the region, as they fragment and isolate Palestinian communities and deny them access to basic services and resources.
One of the protesters, Adie Mormech, said: “We are here to show solidarity with the Palestinian people who are facing daily oppression and violence from the Israeli occupation and settlers. We are also here to send a clear message to Puma that they cannot profit from apartheid and racism. They must end their sponsorship of the IFA and respect Palestinian rights.”
Similar protests took place in at least 17 other towns and cities across Britain, including London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Brighton and York.
The protesters were part of a global movement that has been campaigning for a boycott of Puma since 2018.
The movement has gained momentum in recent months, as more people have witnessed the brutal repression of Palestinians by Israel during the May 2021 attacks on Gaza and Jerusalem, and the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Sheikh Jarrah, Silwan and other areas.
Several celebrities, athletes and organizations have endorsed the boycott campaign, such as former Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters, former Manchester United player Eric Cantona, rapper Lowkey, comedian Alexei Sayle, novelist Angela Davis, trade union Unite and charity War on Want.
Puma has not responded to the protesters’ demands or the Palestinian football teams’ appeal. The company has previously claimed that its sponsorship of the IFA is “a purely commercial decision” and that it does not “take sides in political matters.”
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