Clashes Erupt at Pro-Palestinianโ Protest During Israel‘s World Cup Qualifier in โUdine,Italy
Udine,Italy – October 14,2025 – A demonstration supporting Palestine outside the Dacia arena in Udine,Italy,descended into clashes with law enforcement during Israel’s 2026 World Cup โqualifying match against Italy on Sunday evening. Italian police reported deploying tear gas and making multiple arrests as protesters attempted to disrupt access toโฃ the stadium.
The unrest underscores the escalating global tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, extending beyond the Middle East and impacting international sporting โevents. Theโ demonstration, organized by pro-Palestinian groups, aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing โขsituation in Gaza and the West Bank, coinciding withโค a high-profile sporting fixture involvingโค the Israeli national team.โค The match itself concluded in a 0-0 draw, but was overshadowed by the pre-game disturbances. Authorities are investigating the extent of the damage and the identities โขof those involved in the โขclashes, with further demonstrations โanticipated as the World Cup qualifying rounds progress.
The protest beganโข several โhours before the 8:45 PM CET โคkickoff,โข with โhundreds gathering near theโข stadium.โค Initial reports indicate that some protesters attempted โฃto breach security barriers, leading to confrontations with police. Italian news agencies reportedโ thatโ some demonstrators threw objects โฃat officersโฃ and chanted slogans critical of Israel.
“The situation becameโข untenable when aโ group attempted to force their way towards the stadium entrances,” stated a spokespersonโ for the Udine police department. “We were forced to intervene to maintain public order andโ ensure the safety of those attendingโฃ the match.”
At least ten individuals were taken โคinto โcustody, facing โขcharges ranging from public disorder to assault. Several police officers sustained minor โinjuries during the โฃclashes. The incident has prompted condemnation from both Israeli and Italian officials, with calls for increased securityโค measures at future international sporting events.