Ireland Soccer Match Interrupted by Protests Against Israel Games

On May 29, 2026, an international friendly soccer match between Ireland and Qatar was halted twice at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium as fans hurled tennis balls emblazoned with #StopTheGame to protest Ireland’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel, citing human rights concerns and military ties.

The protest, organized by League of Ireland (LOI) fans and supported by clubs like Cork City and Dundalk FC, escalated tensions over Ireland’s planned matches against Israel in September and October. Fans accused the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) of complicity in “playing football with war criminals,” citing Israel’s alleged genocide in Gaza and the mandatory military service of its players. The match, which Ireland won 1-0 despite a red card, highlighted a broader conflict between sports