Italian Pro-Palestinian activists clash with police, demand Israel boycott before World Cup qualifier
Before Italys 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel, clashes erupted between pro Palestinian demonstrators and police on Tuesday, while thousands more joined a peaceful march through Udine to protest the hosting of a game they believed should never have taken place.
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza finalised on Monday, along with the exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas, failed to lessen the determination of approximately 10000 protesters who gathered in the northern Italian city, where a minority caused unrest towards the marches conclusion.
More than 1000 officers from the police and military were stationed on site, with helicopters and drones monitoring from above to oversee the event, which stayed several kilometres distant from the Bluenergy Stadium where Italy secured a 3 0 victory in the Group I encounter.
Protesters had virtually no opportunity to approach the venue, as checkpoints encircled it, requiring fans to navigate concrete barriers and metal detectors to attend the crucial fixture in Italys campaign to reach a World Cup for the first time since 2014.
The extensive security measures aimed to prevent riots and block access to the stadium or the Israeli squad, yet despite a serene start under warm autumn sun, the procession concluded with authorities deploying a water cannon and tear gas against a group of participants who hurled objects at them.
Early in the march, which set off around 1800 local time or 1600 GMT, there were few indications of unrest, dominated instead by the rhythm of drums and music systems that spurred dancing among attendees of various ages, many holding Palestinian flags and signs proclaiming show Israel the red card.
Theres no longer any bombing, which brings joy, but this peace proposal overlooks the creation of a Palestinian state, remarked Amer Hasan, a 61 year old Palestinian from the West Bank residing in Italy for 42 years after arriving to pursue studies.
It ignores self determination, the West Bank, and Gazas future, it appears Gaza might fall under the control of Tony Blair and Donald Trump without Palestinian input.
We ought not to hold this game since a side representing a country accused of genocide is competing.
Hasan represents Palestinian groups in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, and together with four other organisations, he coordinated Tuesdays event, which drew over 340 activist collectives from across Italy.
Match overshadowed
All participants urged FIFAs global football authority to bar Israel from international events, similar to the sanctions imposed on Russia following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, joining crowds shouting Free Palestine and Genocidal Israel.
Since Israels military response to the October 7 2023 cross border attack by Hamas, over 67869 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza.
Frustration is growing in Italy towards the national football federation or FIGC for dismissing calls to boycott games against Israel, in contrast to Norways Football Association, where leader Lise Klaveness recently advocated for penalties on Israel.
The Norwegian FA has started opposing Israeli teams involvement, displaying a markedly different approach overall from what occurs here in Italy, noted Carlina, a member of the Udine Committee For Palestine who assisted in planning the demonstration.
Within the modest attendance of 10000 Italian supporters, a significant number booed the Israeli anthem vigorously before cheers overpowered them.
Cheers intensified further when Mateo Retegui scored from the penalty in added time before halftime, and he clinched at least second position in the group along with a playoff berth via an elegant curled shot in the 74th minute, prior to Gianluca Mancini nodding in a late third goal.
Securing first place guarantees direct entry to next summers tournament across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, yet Norway holds a six point lead over Italy with far better goal difference and only two games left.