Tottenham issue BAN on national flags for game against Fulham

Tottenham have urged fans to refrain from displaying national flags at their game against Fulham on Monday.

Premier League clubs are set to mark this weekend's fixtures with a show of support for the lives lost in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Spurs have stated their desire to avoid any gestures that 'could possibly be considered inflammatory'.

Players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment's silence.

The league and EFL had earlier issued a ban on Israeli or Palestinian flags in stadiums and Tottenham have stressed the directive to supporters in an email ahead of the visit from the Cottagers.

'The club has always considered that a football match is a time to show allegiance to a football team first and foremost.'  The club said. 'A football match is not an appropriate arena to display flags of any political or religious affiliation or anything that could possibly be considered inflammatory – this can include national flags during times of political conflicts, campaigns or issues.

'We fully appreciate the sensitivities involved and thank you for your cooperation on this matter – we kindly ask supporters not to put our stewards in a difficult position when attending matches.'

The Premier League's guidance came after consultation with security officials and follows the FA prohibition flags and replica kits that were not of the competing teams - England and Australia - during the recent international break.

They also opted against lighting the Wembley arch, drawing criticism from many after doing so following terrorist attacks in France and Belgium as well as Russia's invasion in Ukraine.

England and Italy players did observe a period of silence in the Three Lions' second fixture but boos were heard around some parts of Wembley during the moment of remembrance.

An Israel flag was later spotted in the crowd at the home of English football despite the police ban with stewards approaching the supporter to take it away.

Protests have been held across parts of the country in both support of Israel and Palestine and the action to ban flags has been taken to prevent any conflict at matches.