A “Free Palestine” message appeared above Gillette Stadium during Sunday’s matchup between the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders.
A plane carrying the banner circled the venue during the game, and videos of the display have since gone viral.
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According to reports, Boston-area residents organized the display in anger at Patriots owner Robert Kraft for opposing pro-Palestinian messaging at the stadium.
‘Free Palestine’ Banner Reportedly Takes Aim At Robert Kraft
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The message in the sky quickly became one of the biggest talking points surrounding Sunday’s game between the Patriots and the Raiders.
As the game intensified and fans grew louder, a plane carrying a “Free Palestine” banner was spotted flying above the stadium and briefly circling the venue.
According to journalist Prem Thakker, the protest stemmed from Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s opposition to rapper Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium after the artist made pro-Palestinian remarks.
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A group of Boston-area residents reportedly organized the display, though they have not yet been publicly identified.
‘Free Palestine’ Flyover Divides Fans Beyond The Field
Online reactions were mixed, with some viewers praising the banner while others argued that political messaging had no place around the game.
“Excellent. We need more politics in sports. Free Palestine,” a user wrote.
“More people with the resources need to be acting similarly. I could never imagine being wealthy and not using it for good,” a second individual praised the gesture.
“My word, make it stop. Nobody cares. It’s sports. Let us have at least that. Enough, already, enough,” someone countered.
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“Yeah, that’ll show Robert Kraft. The Billionaire owner of one of the wealthiest sporting franchises in existence. Seriously, what is the aim here, though?” another individual commented.
“Flying a plane over a sports event for a publicity stunt. Surprised the FAA allows that for safety concerns,” one more person criticized.
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The rapper pledged $1 million in net earnings from Sheeran’s tour to organizations supporting Palestinians and directly challenged Kraft to match it.
Zach Bryan Previously Wore The Message On His Chest
This banner wasn’t the first recent “Free Palestine” message to appear at Robert Kraft’s venue.
Earlier this month, country star Zach Bryan wore a shirt carrying the phrase during back-to-back concerts at Gillette Stadium. Some band members also wore pro-Palestinian clothing during the shows.
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Bryan did not address the shirt from the stage, but his choice quickly drew attention because of the earlier controversy involving Macklemore.
Robert Kraft Previously Shuts The Stadium Door On Macklemore
Aaron Schwartz – Pool via CNP / MEGA
As Variety previously reported, Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during performances tied to the pop star’s shows.
At the time, Macklemore blamed Kraft, saying the billionaire had pushed other stadium owners to block him from appearing at upcoming venues.
Kraft responded by saying Macklemore’s recent comments and imagery had been “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”
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He also argued that allowing the rapper to perform at Gillette Stadium would conflict with the venue’s “longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests” and its policy against giving “a platform for hate speech.”
Macklemore’s Exit Sets Off A Tour Domino Effect
The dispute over Macklemore did not end with his removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour.
Several other artists connected to the tour later withdrew in solidarity, forcing Sheeran’s team to bring in new opening acts for subsequent dates.
Macklemore also responded by launching his own “Free Palestine” mini-tour and donating proceeds toward Palestinian relief efforts.
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Meanwhile, the incident also appeared to strain Macklemore’s relationship with Ed Sheeran, although neither has publicly said their friendship has ended.
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