Derry GAA club encourages members to boycott Puma

Derry GAA club Steelstown Brian Ógs has encouraged its members and wider community to keep the Boycott Divest Sanction movement in mind when buying gifts over the holidays.

According to its official website The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians and pressure Israel to comply with international law.

A Steelstown representative put out the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We at Steelstown support the BDS global campaign. We encourage our members and the wider community to choose to NOT buy Puma products this Christmas. By doing so we are contributing to the support given to Palestinians. Encourage others to do the same #GivePumaTheBoot #derryipsc."

The club shared a statement from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which outlines the reason Palestinians call for a boycott of the company.

"More than 200 Palestinian football teams have called on PUMA to end sponsorship of the Israel Football Association (IFA) due to its support for Israeli war crimes," the statement says.

"The IFA includes football teams based in Israel's illegal settlements, and hosts matches on land stolen from Palestinians.

"Every Israeli settlement in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, is illegal and a war crime under international law.

"Israel's illegal settlements contribute to serious human rights abuses, and are a direct cause of restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement, access to natural resources, and ability to build homes and conduct business.

"Puma's sponsorship of the Israel Football Association legitimises and gives international cover to Israel's ongoing war crimes."

Puma has been contacted for a response.