Orioles Fans With a 'Free Palestine' Flag Are Removed From the Front Rows at Camden Yards
No one wants to go to a ball game and get hit with a political rally during the action.
But in 2024, not even MLB games are safe from a bizarre protest breaking out.
On Wednesday, activists hoisting a "Free Palestine" flag appeared at Camden Yards, causing a scene that led to security's involvement. The four protesters emerged among fans sitting behind home plate, starting chants and holding up their signage.
Rather than sitting back and watching the Baltimore Orioles' exceptional slugging, the activists interrupted the action in the second inning. Cheers, boos and thumbs pointing down were hurled as the activists — one of them with green hair — and they were escorted out.
WATCH:
Four fans at Camden Yards who protested to support Palestine during the Baltimore Orioles game on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, were removed, the team said. (Jacob Calvin Meyer/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Baltimore released a statement on the fans' ejections, calling the group's behavior a violation of the stadium's guidelines for fan conduct.
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 26: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles makes a catch to retire Andrés Giménez of the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 26, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The statement from the Orioles noted that political signage or any antics disrupting surrounding fans is prohibited, which is the same rule they used to escort fans in 2019 over pro-Donald Trump flags.
Baltimore's statement read, "The individuals displaying political signage, which is a violation of our policy, were not seated in their ticketed seats and inciting fans in the surrounding area. They were removed from the ballpark."
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 26: Brayan Rocchio #4 of the Cleveland Guardians tags out Jorge Mateo #3 of the Baltimore Orioles on steal attempt at second base in the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 26, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Orioles' ban against political signage reads, "Banners will be confiscated in which content is commercial, political, and/or in bad taste according to the Orioles’ discretion. The Orioles reserve the right to remove any banner at any time and people involved are subject to ejection."
Baltimore’s home stand against the Cleveland Guardians continued after the protest, and the O's won, 4-2.
It's been a wild week for sports protests, starting with protesters storming the green at the Travelers Championship on Sunday.
Pro-Palestinian activists have been at the center of public disturbances within America, largely on college campuses, as a means to denounce the nation of Israel and highlight the ongoing war in the Middle East from the side of Hamas. Concurrently, Jews face more harassment in America as pro-Palestinian support and fervor increases.
Israel's war against Hamas, stemming from the heinous attacks on Oct. 7 against innocent Israelis, continues.
(Should protesters at ball games be automatically jailed? Send us your thoughts and why it's a great idea: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
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