Belgian footballer Stephane Omeonga has publicly contested the accusations made against him by Italian police, following a forceful removal from a flight at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on 24 December 2024. The incident, captured on video by a fellow passenger, shows Omeonga being escorted off the aircraft by Polaria officers, who alleged that he was on Israel’s blacklist.
Omeonga, a 28-year-old midfielder currently playing for Bnei Sakhnin in Israel’s top football division, has provided his account of the events, asserting that he holds a valid work permit and was unjustly targeted. He described the experience as an episode of racial discrimination and police brutality.
According to Omeonga, he was travelling from Belgium to Tel Aviv, with a layover in Rome. He encountered no issues during check-in, border control, or boarding. However, shortly before departure, a flight attendant approached him, citing a problem with his passport and requesting that he disembark. Omeonga, confident in the validity of his documents, asked for clarification. When no explanation was provided, airport police were summoned.
The situation escalated when officers allegedly demanded that he leave the plane without offering reasons. Omeonga claims that upon his refusal to comply without an explanation, he was forcibly removed, handcuffed, and subjected to physical assault, including being thrown to the ground and having a knee pressed against his head. He was then transported to a police facility within the airport.
Omeonga reports being detained in a cell without food or water for several hours. He also alleges that, despite his shock and request for medical assistance, officers falsely reported that he had declined medical care. Upon release, he was informed that a police officer had filed a complaint against him for resisting arrest and causing injury, charges he firmly denies.
In a statement shared on social media, Omeonga refuted the police’s claims, emphasizing that he possesses a legitimate work permit for Israel and has never been on any blacklist. He condemned the treatment he received as racially motivated, stating: “As a human being and a father, I cannot tolerate any form of discrimination.” He called for unity and awareness to combat societal issues stemming from racial prejudice.
As of now, there has been no official comment from the Italian National Police regarding Omeonga’s allegations. The footballer, who has previously played for clubs including Genoa, Avellino, and Pescara, continues to seek redress and has expressed a desire to raise awareness about the broader implications of racial discrimination.
