Two Leicester players unfurled a Palestinian flag at the FA Cup final on the same day as thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched through the streets of London.
Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana brought the flag onto the pitch at Wembley after an historic 1-0 win over Chelsea in a move lauded by Palestinian ambassador Husam Zumlot.
— Palestine in the UK (@PalMissionUK) May 15, 2021
As Israel responded to the Hamas rocket fire with strikes on Gaza, the death toll rose to at least 174 Palestinians and eight Israelis according to figures from the Associated Press.
Protesters staged demonstrations against Israel across several European cities on Saturday.
In London, a group of protesters were filmed chanting about the seventh century battle of Khaybar, when local Jewish residents were killed and expelled.
“Jews, remember the battle of Khaybar, the army of Muhammad is returning,” they said according to a translation by the group Campaign Against Antisemitism.
At the #FreePalestine demonstration in London today cries of:
— The Zionist (@The_Zionist1) May 15, 2021
"Khayber Khayber Ya Yehud jaish Mohammad Sauf Ya'ud" (Khayber Khaybar oh Jews, Mohammad's army is returning) pic.twitter.com/kcVPBI9C4U
CAA volunteers also reported seeing a Hamas scarf and several banners comparing Israel to Nazi Germany, including a sign with a swastika juxtaposed against a Star of David.
CAA said its volunteers also spotted signs invoking the blood libel, with one banner marked "Israel murders babies, UK says ok."
Footage circulating online also showed the former model and David Irving supporter Lady Michèle Renouf among the crowd.
An inflatable caricature with a hook nose, bloodshot eyes, horns and a white headdress also drew offence, but some suggested it was a depiction of the Abu Dhabi crown prince.
Mark Gardner, CST chief executive, said there had been "increasingly serious 'pro-Palestinians' antisemitic attacks and anti-Jewish intimidation across London" today.
"Yesterday (for 3rd time in week) swastikas and Jihadi anti-Jew chants unchallenged by “anti-racist” left on anti-Israel demonstrations," he added in a tweet on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Police said nine officers were injured as they dispersed crowds outside the Israeli Embassy on Saturday.
“Missiles were thrown in small pockets of disorder following a day of largely peaceful protest, which saw police engage with the crowds.
“Nine people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and a further four people were arrested on suspicion of breaching the Health Protection Regulations. They remain in custody,” the force said in a statement.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am deeply concerned about reports of hateful, intimidating and racist language being used on marches and social media this weekend. It is unacceptable to incite anti-Jewish or anti-Muslim hatred. This must stop now.
“Let me be clear—racial hatred and persecution in all its forms are abhorrent and have no place in our city. The police have my full backing for a zero-tolerance approach to tackling it. We must stop these vile attacks.”
