Ryan Flamingo sings anti-Semitic song during PSV title celebration, sparking fan fury
Eindhoven was turned upside down – but not for a carnival. PSV’s victory celebration at Stadhuisplein descended into scandal when Ryan Flamingo let loose with a truly disgusting song. The defender, who has become a fan favourite this season, stood on the stage belting out lyrics packed with anti-Semitic slogans.
According to multiple 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 beats everything.
What exactly did Flamingo sing?
While the audio quality isn’t crystal clear everywhere, the lyrics are for many: it’s a version of the notorious ‘Hamas, Hamas, gas the Jews’. Former pros and supporter groups immediately rose up in anger. 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’ Association demands a public apology and a suspension for Flamingo.
- A prominent anti-racism organisation is filing a complaint and points out the illegal nature of the song.
- A pundit from the biggest football broadcaster called it “unforgivable and stupid”.
- Fans of a traditional rival react with mixed feelings: outrage, but also a bit of schadenfreude over the blunder.
Hill and the shadow over the celebration
The name Hill pops up in the discussion as a possible instigator – according to insiders, someone from that corner shouted the lyrics, and Flamingo joined in. Whether that’s true doesn’t really matter. As a professional footballer with a role-model status, you have the responsibility to stamp out that kind of fire immediately, not pour petrol on it. The celebration, which was meant to be about the championship and the euphoria around the coach, is now permanently tainted.
As far as I’m concerned, enough is enough. We’ve had trouble with anti-Semitism in and around stadiums in this country for years. From ‘hunting Jews’ at away matches to hateful chants at other clubs – but a player of Ryan Flamingo’s calibre trying this on is a new low. The league must crack down hard: a suspension of at least ten matches and mandatory educational training. Better yet: just dismiss 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 stupid song? Ryan Flamingo, you’ve got plenty of time to report to the Jewish information centre and express your regret. If you don’t, you won’t be welcome at the Philips Stadium ever again. Full stop.