Fans marching to a soccer game in Brazil shared as pro-Palestinian protest in France

The viral video shows soccer fans marching in Sao Paulo, Brazil ahead of a game. It dates back to 5 October, 2023

After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, the French government banned all pro-Palestinian protests on 12 October, because they were likely to disrupt public order. Still, infrequent protests have taken place in Paris and other regions of the country. In this scenario, a video is going viral on social media platforms, claiming to be visuals of French citizens marching in support of Palestinians amidst the recent conflict.

The video shows a long line of people making their way along a wide thoroughfare backed by high-rise towers. Flashes of green light and smoke can be seen throughout the gathering. The caption of the post states that, France has BANNED pro-Palestinian protests. Yet MASSIVE protest in support of Palestine #FreePalestine

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Fact Check- 

We started the investigation with keywords reverse image search on Google and found that the video was posted on twitter on 6 October by a Brazilian football page called Planeta do Futebol. The text said in Portuguese, “The journey of Palmeiras fans to Allianz Parque.” 

This makes it clear that the video has no connection to the Israel-Palestine conflict in any way.

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In further search, we found that the video did not originate in France, as claimed, but in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The people seen in the video were not protesting. Instead, they were fans of the football club Palmeiras on their way to a Copa Libertadores match versus Boca Juniors.

We also came across a report by the Brazilian news outlet Estadao about Palmeiras fans marching behind the team bus to Allianz Parque stadium before their match against Boca Juniors on 5 October. A screenshot from the video was also included in it.

While there have been protests in France in support of Palestine despite the country’s ban, the viral video does not depict one of them. The video shows football fans marching towards a stadium in Brazil

Conclusion- 

Fact Crescendo found the claim made along with the viral video be False. The viral video does not show a pro-Palestine protest in France; it shows soccer fans marching in Sao Paulo, Brazil ahead of a game. It dates back to 5 October, 2023.