Belgian footballer Stephane Omeonga has ignited discussions surrounding police brutality and discrimination after sharing alarming footage of his forceful removal from a plane by Italian police on Christmas Day.
The incident unfolded on December 25 as Omeonga, who has previously played for teams like Hibernian and Livingston, was preparing to board his flight from Rome to Tel Aviv. The 28-year-old former professional faced the brunt of the police's force after the flight's steward raised concerns about his travel documents. According to Omeonga, confidence surged through him as he asserted the validity of his papers, yet what followed was anything but calm.
On his Instagram account, Omeonga revealed video footage showing police officers storming toward him as he pleaded, "I am a Belgian citizen, I am a football player," before being handcuffed. The disturbing video shows him expressing confusion and fear, asking, "What are you doing? Are you insane?"
The former athlete claimed the violence escalated once he was outside of the plane, stating, “Once outside the aircraft, away from the view of witnesses, the police violently threw me to the ground, beat me, and one of them pressed his knee against my head.” His shocking allegations of police brutality drew immediate reactions from the football community.
Omeonga recounted the ordeal with distressing detail: “I was then taken in a police vehicle, handcuffed like a criminal, to the airport. An ambulance arrived, but in a state of shock, I was unable to respond to the paramedics’ questions.” He expressed disbelief over how he was treated, emphasizing how, just moments earlier, he had been confident and compliant during his travel. He went on to state, “Next, I was placed in a grey room, without food or water, and left in a state of total humiliation for several hours.”
The footballer revealed the degree of humiliation he experienced as he described the conditions of his confinement and the false accusations thrown against him during his arrest. “Upon my release, I learned of police statements claiming I had refused medical care.” He spoke passionately about the experiences faced not only by himself but others who resemble him. "This arrest is just the visible tip of the iceberg. Many people who look like me cannot find work, have no access to housing, or cannot participate in the sports they love, simply because they are Black," Omeonga said, emphasizing the underlying issues of systemic racism and discrimination.
The incident has called attention to the treatment of people of color within society, particularly surrounding matters of authority and justice. Fellow players have come forward to express solidarity with Omeonga. Former Hibs and Livingston footballer, Marvin Bartley, articulated his frustration with the situation: "Words fail me! Going to 2025, my small wish is for everyone to be treated the same all around the WORLD!!!"
His teammate Beram Kayal also expressed his support, stating, "Love, brother. Hope you’re okay and feeling good. I’m sure you’re strong and will keep fighting for the good in this life." Such messages echo the sentiments of many who feel empathy toward Omeonga’s awful circumstances.
This incident highlights the need for systemic change and for society to confront its biases against individuals based on race. Omeonga, whose allegations have spread beyond social media and brought forth conversations about police conduct, continues to demand accountability and justice.
Support for him continues to grow as more athletes and people speak out, sharing their own experiences and advocating for equal treatment under the law. The dialogue ignited by this event serves as both alarming and necessary, shining light on the injustices embedded within various systems.
Omeonga’s experience, and his courageous decision to share it, serves as both individual testimony and collective call to action, urging society to reflect on and address discrimination to move toward real equality.
The Daily Star has reached out to various authorities for their comments but as of now, no responses have been documented. The story remains notable, emphasizing not just the challenges faced by individuals like Omeonga but also the imperative for heightened awareness and reform in the fight against discrimination and police brutality.