A 15-year-old Palestinian Australian, Ella Ajaje, was initially denied entry to an A-League football match at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium due to her jersey. She was wearing a Club Deportivo Palestino jersey, which displays the word "Palestine" and its flag colors.
Security personnel reportedly told Ajaje that the jersey was not permitted, with one guard stating, "It’s the fact it’s got Palestine" and "We don’t allow countries in here other than Australia." The guard also referenced a long-standing policy to prevent conflicts between different national groups.
Ajaje was eventually allowed to enter the stadium after temporarily removing the jersey. She later put it back on inside without further issues. She noted that other fans were seen wearing jerseys with different national flags, including her brother who wore a Portugal jersey and was not stopped.
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL), which manages the A-League, is currently discussing the incident with the venue. APL CEO Steve Rosich acknowledged a "restricted items" list but indicated that the decision regarding the jersey is being reviewed. He also stated the APL takes "pride in our multicultural fanbase."
Allianz Stadium’s entry conditions prohibit "unauthorised commercial... political or other offensive logos or signage" and flags deemed "offensive, discriminatory, political or intimidating." The A-League’s terms of admission similarly ban items displaying "offensive or inappropriate content" or that might "vilify a person, cause offence or incite hatred or violence." Neither policy explicitly bans jerseys with non-Australian country flags. Ajaje's uncle stated he had previously worn Palestinian flag imagery in the stadium without issue.