Italy

00:41

Police break up pro-Palestine protests during Italy-Israel qualifier

Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to break up pro-Palestinian protests at Israel’s World Cup qualifier against

People march in Italy demanding Israel boycott before World Cup qualifier.

People protest against the participation of the Israeli national football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Italy, in Udine [Luca Bruno/AP Photo]

Pro-Palestinian protesters hold a large Palestinian flag as they gather in solidarity with Palestine in Udine. [Stefano Rellandini/AFP]

There is anger in Italy over the country’s football federation (FIGC) refusing to consider a boycott of matches against Israel. [Luca Bruno/AP Photo]

About 10,000 people attended the pro-Palestinian march in Udine. [Stefano Rellandini/AFP]

Chants of "Freedom for Palestine" and "Show Israel the red card" echoed through Udine as participants called for Israel to be banned from international sporting events. [Valeria Ferraro/Anadolu]

The Italian football federation said about 9,000 tickets had been sold for the match against Israel, well short of the reduced capacity of 16,000. [Valeria Ferraro/Anadolu]

Local authorities issued a slew of restrictions, including road closures and parking limits, and installed concrete barriers around the stadium to create security zones. [Valeria Ferraro/Anadolu]

At the end of the march, some protesters threw firecrackers and crowd control barriers at anti-riot police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. [Valeria Ferraro/Anadolu]