UFC star Conor McGregor has called for [1] tougher laws against displaying the flags of terrorist organizations, following protests in Ireland where demonstrators carried the flags of Hamas and Hezbollah.
The protests sparked backlash on social media, with McGregor leading the criticism.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), McGregor expressed his outrage at the demonstrations, stating that such displays should be considered a serious crime under Irish law.
“To raise the flag of a terrorist organization on Irish soil must become a major crime in the eyes of our state,” McGregor wrote. “It will not be tolerated nor lauded!”
The protests included participants marching with the flags of Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are designated as terrorist organizations by several countries.
McGregor emphasized the distinction between flying national flags and those of extremist groups.
“Raise a country flag, off your own person, and off of government buildings, yes, no problem. Raise the flag of radicalized terror organizations off of the same… Big problem,” McGregor added. His post included a video showing the protests.
To raise the flag of a terrorist organization on Irish soil must become a major crime in the eyes of our state.
It will not be tolerated nor lauded!
Raise a country flag, off your own person, and off of government buildings, yes, no problem. Raise the flag of radicalized terror… https://t.co/YWujdjmjle [2]— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 25, 2025 [3]
This is not the first time McGregor has spoken out against Hamas.
In 2023, he criticized Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar for what he described as “downplaying” the release of an Irish child who had been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.
McGregor called Varadkar a “disgrace” for his handling of the situation.
McGregor has also been vocal about broader social and political issues in Ireland.
Following a riot in Dublin last year, which was sparked by crimes involving migrants, McGregor criticized officials for prioritizing political correctness over public safety.
🚨#BREAKING [4]: Riots are breaking out after five people including three children injured in knife attack⁰⁰📌#Dublin [5] | #Ireland [6]
Currently, multiple riots have broken out in Dublin, Ireland, leaving thousands of people angry after an immigrant, believed to be Algerian, carried out… pic.twitter.com/qx6W2KDvV0 [7]
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 23, 2023 [8]
He has called for stricter immigration policies, arguing that open-door migration has brought increased crime and danger to Irish communities.
McGregor’s comments come amid heightened tensions in Ireland over immigration policies and public demonstrations.
While some groups have defended the protests as an expression of free speech, others, including McGregor, see the display of terrorist flags as a threat to national security and a provocation.
Ireland, like many other European countries, has faced challenges in balancing free expression with security concerns.
The ongoing debates around migration, national identity, and public safety have fueled sharp divisions in public discourse.
McGregor’s call to criminalize the display of terrorist flags is part of a larger push for Ireland to adopt stricter laws to address extremism and illegal activities tied to such organizations.
His comments have sparked significant engagement on social media, with supporters applauding his stance and critics questioning his approach.
As Ireland continues to navigate complex political and social challenges, McGregor’s outspoken views have added to the broader conversation about national security and the limits of free expression.
Whether his calls for legal reforms gain traction remains to be seen, but the debate over public displays of support for extremist groups is unlikely to fade anytime soon.