Pondicherry University Halts Football Match Over Pro-Palestine Banner

A banner expressing solidarity with the people suffering in Gaza was raised during a football tournament organized by the Students’ Union at Pondicherry University. However, this gesture of support was not well received by the university administration.

During halftime, students wearing keffiyehs marched onto the field, raising a large banner that read, “Rise, Resist, Reclaim” and “Let’s Talk Palestine.”

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The match took place around 1 am, during when the dramatic event unfolded. Dr Praveen, the Director of Physical Education at Pondicherry University, halting the game stated that the university is not a platform for international solidarities and that this is not the appropriate time to exercise freedom of expression.

Despite the majority of students reportedly opposing the display, authorities entered the field and called off the tournament. Further escalating tensions, the administration cut off power to the stadium. The sudden cancellation of the event led to prolonged discussions with the university administration, which continued for two hours. Although students appealed for the tournament to resume, the administration stood firm in its decision.

Condemning the administration’s actions, Pondicherry University students stated, “We strongly condemn the university’s actions and stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, where settler-colonialist forces continue their brutal bombings. This blatant suppression of student voices is unacceptable. Resistance is our right. Solidarity is our duty.”

They further announced that students would hold a rally in solidarity with Palestine on March 24. However, the university has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The events during the football match have now sparked debate both on and offline regarding the administration’s stance on campus expression and student-led initiatives.

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Meanwhile, in Gaza, amid renewed bombings that killed over 600 people on Tuesday, the death toll has now surpassed 50,000 since the genocidal offensive began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Countries and UN agencies have expressed shock over the continued violence against the people of Gaza.