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Star of David pig protests hit brick wall

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Jews in Manchester are angry that rock guitarist Roger Waters displayed an inflatable pig bearing a star of David during a concert, even though they warned the venue it would cause offence.

The Pink Floyd frontman, and well known supporter of a boycott of Israel, performed at the phones4u Arena Manchester last week as part of “The Wall” tour.

His use of the pig as a prop has been criticised by, among others, the Anti-Defamation League.

Sharon Bannister, vice president of the Manchester Jewish Representative Council, said: “It is very disappointing when someone who has such a strong fan base should choose to use such offensive imagery.”

Joy Wolfe, the president of Manchester Zionist Central Council, had told the Arena’s management team before the event that the Jewish community in the city would be “highly offended” by the “inappropriate combination” of a giant flying pig and a star of David.

The venue has no control over the content of a tour

Staff said her complaint would be passed on to the tour promoter, but the pig appeared nonetheless. A spokesperson for the Arena said that the views were made known, but added: “The venue has little or no control over the content of a tour.”

Mrs Wolfe said that by failing to act, the venue “would inevitably be seen as condoning the offensive imagery.”

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