NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA opened a disciplinary case Friday after an Israeli soccer club’s fans displayed a banner targeting Poland that was criticized by the Polish president and diplomats from Israel.

Fallout from the Maccabi Haifa vs. Rakow Czestochowa game Thursday in UEFA’s Conference League adds to current scrutiny around non-sporting issues being aired at international soccer.

The slogan “Murderers since 1939” in English was shown by Maccabi Haifa fans at a qualifying game in UEFA’s Conference League against Polish team Rakow. It was quickly condemned by the president of Poland and Israel’s embassy in the country.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki posted on X the banner was “scandalous” and an insult to Polish victims of World War Two including three million Jews.

Maccabi Haif

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