Super Bowl protester waving Palestinian flag receives lifetime NFL stadium ban
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A protester who displayed the Palestinian and Sudanese flags during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance has been permanently banned from all NFL stadiums and events.
The individual, who was part of the 400-member field cast, managed to conceal the flags before unveiling them midway through the show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.
In a statement, the NFL confirmed the lifetime ban, explaining that neither the league nor the production team was aware of the protester's intent. "The individual hid the item on his person and unveiled it late in the show. No one involved with the production was aware of the individual's intent. The individual will be banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events," the statement read.
Videos circulating on social media captured the protester standing atop a car prop on stage, waving the flags after Lamar’s performance of his Grammy-winning song, “Not Like Us.” The flags also featured the words “Sudan” and “Gaza” alongside a heart and solidarity fist symbol.
Shortly after unfurling the flags, the protester was detained by security personnel. Roc Nation, the entertainment company producing the halftime show, later clarified that the act was not planned, rehearsed, or approved as part of the performance.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users praised the protester for drawing attention to humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, while others criticised the demonstration, arguing that political statements should not be made at sporting events.
The protest highlighted two ongoing humanitarian crises. Since the Israel-Hamas war reignited in October 2023, over 48,000 people have died, and more than 111,000 have been injured in Gaza. Despite a ceasefire agreement last month, tensions remain high, with former U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggesting the possibility of American involvement in governing the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Sudan has been grappling with political turmoil and conflict since the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military have been engaged in violent clashes since 2023, leading to the deaths of over 28,000 people.