Ryan Flamingo sings antisemitic song during PSV title celebration: fury among fans
Eindhoven was turned upside down, but not because of the funfair. PSV's celebration at City Hall Square descended into scandal when Ryan Flamingo let loose with an utterly disgusting song. The defender, who had become a fan favourite this season, belted out a chant on stage that is packed with antisemitic slogans.
According to several clips circulating on social media, Ryan Flamingo joined in a song that references the Holocaust and violence against Jewish people. It's not the first time an Eredivisie player has fallen into this trap, but the brazenness of this moment – right in the middle of a festive parade – truly takes the biscuit.
What exactly did Flamingo sing?
Although the audio quality isn't crystal clear everywhere, the lyrics are for many: it's a version of the infamous 'Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the gas'. Former pros and supporters' groups immediately hit the roof. Ryan Flamingo hasn't commented yet, but his club PSV let it be known through a spokesperson that they are 'studying 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' Club demands a public apology and a suspension for Flamingo.
- A leading anti-racism organisation is filing a complaint and points out the illegal nature of the song.
- A pundit from the biggest football channel called it "unforgivable and stupid".
- Fans of a traditional rival have mixed reactions: outrage, but also schadenfreude over the blunder.
Hill and the shadow over the celebration
The name Hill comes up in the discussion as a possible instigator – according to insiders, someone from that corner shouted the line, after which Flamingo joined in. Whether that's true doesn't really matter. As a professional footballer with a duty to set an example, you have the responsibility to stamp out that kind of fire immediately, not pour petrol on it. The celebration, which was supposed to be about the championship and the euphoria around the manager, is now forever tainted.
As far as I'm concerned, enough is enough. We've had problems with antisemitism in and around stadiums in the Netherlands for years. From 'Jew hunts' at away matches to the hate chants at other clubs – but that a player of Ryan Flamingo's calibre would stoop to this is a new low. The football association needs to come down hard on this: a suspension of at least ten matches and a mandatory education course. Even better: just sack 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 title party be hijacked by one stupid song? Ryan Flamingo, you have ample time to report to the Jewish information centre and to express your regret. If you don't, you're no longer welcome at the Philips Stadium after this. Full stop.