Pro‑Palestinian protesters gathered in front of a stadium to voice their anger at the ongoing conflict in Gaza during the Italy‑v‑Israel World Cup qualifier. In Rome, where the match was played, a crowd of about 1,500 people marched at the entrances of the Stadio Olimpico before the kickoff. Their chants, slogans, and banners echoed the growing global outcry over Israeli military actions in the Palestinian territories.
The demonstrators demanded that the Italian government pressure Israel to halt the Gaza offensive and support a two‑state solution. “Our hearts are with the children of Gaza,” said Fatima, a volunteer with a local advocacy group. “We cannot stay silent while people are suffering.” The crowd’s message was clear: they expected the national team to stand against aggression, even as football fans celebrated a clash between two top‑tier European squads.
Police moved in quickly to keep the players and fans safe. Officers used tear gas and water‑cannons to disperse those who tried to block the tunnel into the football ground, but most of the protesters agreed to leave. The match was interrupted for about 12 minutes, a record for a World Cup qualifying fixture. After the delay, Italy went on to win 3‑0, with Tammy Abraham scoring the decisive goal.
Italian officials said that sports and politics are separate, but the protest sparked a debate about the role of national teams in international conflicts. The Football Federation of Italy later sent the players a letter urging them to remember the responsibility that comes with representing the country.
Meanwhile the Israeli Football Association welcomed the match and criticised the protesters as “anti‑Israel” agitators. “Façade of violence at a sporting event must be condemned,” the Israeli ministry of sport tweeted.
This is the latest flare‑up in a long‑running conflict that has drawn waves of protest across Europe, the Middle East and the United States. While the football match delivered excitement for fans, it highlighted the tension between the world’s love of sport and the harsh realities of geopolitics.
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