PSV defender Ryan Flamingo sings anti-Semitic chant during title celebration, sparking fan outrage
Eindhoven was buzzing, but not because of the fair. PSV’s title celebration at Stadhuisplein turned into a scandal when Ryan Flamingo let loose with an absolutely vile chant. The defender, who had become a fan favourite this season, belted out lyrics full of anti-Semitic slurs while on stage near the podium.
According to several videos circulating on social media, Ryan Flamingo joined in on a chant that references the Holocaust and violence against Jews. It’s not the first time an Eredivisie player has fallen into this trap, but the sheer brazenness of this moment – right in the middle of a festive parade – takes the cake.
What exactly did Flamingo sing?
Though the audio quality isn’t crystal clear everywhere, the lyrics are painfully obvious to many: it’s a version of the notorious 'Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the gas'. Former pros and supporter groups immediately erupted in anger. Ryan Flamingo hasn’t commented yet, but his club PSV said through a spokesperson that they are 'reviewing the footage'. Anyone who has ever set foot in a stadium knows, however, that this kind of language is way over the line.
- PSV supporters’ association demands a public apology and a suspension for Flamingo.
- A well-known anti-racism organization is filing a police report, pointing out the illegal nature of the chant.
- A pundit from the country’s biggest soccer channel called it "unforgivable and stupid".
- Fans of a traditional rival have mixed reactions: outrage, but also some schadenfreude over the blunder.
Hill and the shadow over the celebration
The name Hill keeps coming up in the discussion as a possible instigator – according to insiders, someone from that circle shouted the lyrics, and Flamingo went along. Whether that’s true doesn’t really matter. As a professional footballer with a role model status, it’s your job to stomp out that kind of fire immediately, not to pour gasoline on it. The celebration, which was meant to highlight the championship and the euphoria around the coach, is now permanently tainted.
As far as I’m concerned, enough is enough. We’ve been dealing with anti-Semitism in and around stadiums in the Netherlands for years. From 'Jew hunts' at away games to hateful chants at other clubs – but a player of Ryan Flamingo’s calibre crossing this line is a new low. The league needs to crack down hard: a suspension of at least ten matches and mandatory educational training. Better yet: just fire him on the spot.
PSV will release an official statement later today. Until then, the question remains: how smart is it to let your entire championship party be hijacked by one idiotic song? Ryan Flamingo, you’ve got plenty of time to reach out to the Jewish information centre and express your regret. If you don’t, you won’t be welcome at Philips Stadium ever again. Period.