Major Democrat Donor Kicked Out During Philadelphia Eagles Game Amid Scuffle Over Pro-Israel Display

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts to his touchdown pass to Eagles' A.J. Brown (11) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Philadelphia on Nov. 5, 2023. Chris Szagola/AP Photo

Major Democrat donor and prominent businessman George Norcross was ejected from the Nov. 5 Philadelphia Eagles game for a pro-Israel display hanging outside his suite.

The Eagles were playing the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

A video of the incident that has 3.2 million views showed a flag that combined the U.S. and Israeli flag into one hanging from one of the suites at the stadium. It showed Mr. Norcross being approached by what appears to be a security person who, following what appeared to be an argument between the two, removed the flag as Mr. Norcross was escorted out of his suite by another member of security.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is running for the GOP presidential nomination, was in Mr. Norcross’ suite.

The Epoch Times has also reached out to Mr. Norcross’s employer, Conner Strong and Buckelew, for comment from Mr. Norcross himself.

Lincoln Financial Field prohibits signs or banners that are offensive or not event-related.

“Signs, banners or similar items that are obscene or indecent, not event-related, potentially offensive to other patrons, capable of blocking the views of other fans or otherwise deemed dangerous or inappropriate by the Eagles are prohibited,” according to the rules. “They may not contain commercial messages, logos, or political endorsements and may not be hung on the stadium structure.”

In a statement to The Epoch Times, the team said that “Mr. Norcross’ removal from the stadium had nothing to do with the content of his sign” and referenced the rule prohibiting displays that have nothing to do with the game being shown from stadium suites.

Mr. Norcross was repeatedly asked to remove the flag but refused and was “physically and verbally abusive.

“Mr. Norcross was ejected from the stadium only after his abuse toward numerous stadium staff members continued. He was escorted from the suite level to the stadium’s ejection point, just as anyone else would be after engaging in abusive behavior in violation of stadium policy.”

However, the rule should have been relaxed, as Mr. Norcross was trying to show his support for the U.S.-Israel alliance, said Bryan Leib, a die-hard Eagles fan who previously served as head of a political action committee supporting congressional candidates committed to combating antisemitism.

“I was shocked like, like I think a lot of other people were, when not only was, was the flag torn down by security, but also allegedly, he was arrested and escorted out,” Mr. Leib, CEO of Henry Public Relations, which represents conservatives, told The Epoch Times.

“Seems a little a little aggressive for someone just trying to offer their support in Israel’s darkest hour.”

Mr. Norcross has threatened to take legal action against the Eagles, the security company, and the NFL.

“As a longtime passionate fan and season ticket holder, I have watched the Eagles/NFL make clear and strong statements on numerous important civil justice issues and ethnic and world conflicts, including supporting the people of Ukraine. So, as a strong supporter of Israel—a country which was viciously attacked by the terrorist group Hamas less than a month ago—I thought it was an important statement to make,” Mr. Norcross said in a statement, according to Politico.

“[A]s I consider whether to file suit against the Philadelphia Eagles, the NFL, and the security company which yanked me out of the box and paraded me in front of thousands of fans, I urge other supporters of Israel to make their feelings known to the team and the NFL just as they have to universities like Penn and Harvard,” he added, referring to the anti-Israel and antisemitic incidents at those universities.

Mr. Norcross’s brother, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), represents New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District.

“There is no dispute: On October 7th, Hamas murdered innocent Israeli civilians, raped women, and butchered children, and continues to hold hostages,” said Mr. Norcross in his statement.

“I believe Israel has the right to defend itself, just as the United States did following the September 11th attacks, and I will remain a proud and vocal defender of its right to do so,” he said.

“Americans have the right to peacefully protest, but that does not include the right to threaten people with bodily harm or even death.”

The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 28–23, to move to 8–1 on the season.

During the Eagles game against the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 22 at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles flew 10 U.S. flags in solidarity with 10 Americans being held hostage by the terrorist group Hamas. The Eagles beat the Dolphins, 31–17.

The incident is not the only time there has been a display related to the latest conflict in Israel at an NFL game.

A Palestinian flag was draped in the front row behind one of the end zones at Cleveland Brown Stadium during the Oct. 15 game between the Browns and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the Browns for comment about the flag at the game, which the Browns won, 19–17.