Pro-Palestinian Protests Erupt in Udine Before Italy-Israel Match

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Udine, Italy, on October 17, 2023, ahead of the World Cup qualifier match between Italy and Israel. While the protest began peacefully, it later escalated into clashes between some demonstrators and police as tensions rose. Italy ultimately won the match 3-0, which took place just four days after a ceasefire was established in Gaza.

The protest attracted at least 10,000 participants, who gathered in the city center and remained peaceful for nearly three hours. However, as the march approached its conclusion, a group of approximately 50 individuals began confronting law enforcement. In response, police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd as protesters attempted to breach police cordons to reach the stadium located on the outskirts of Udine.

Demonstrators threw metal barriers, fired flares, and ignited garbage cans during the escalation. Reports indicate that two journalists were injured, along with several police officers. Mayor of Udine, Alberto Felice De Toni, who previously urged for the match to be postponed, condemned the violence that erupted at the end of the demonstration.

Security measures surrounding the match were extensive. The Israeli team bus received an escort of 13 police vehicles, including special forces units, with helicopters and drones monitoring the situation from above. Despite the intense security, there were no serious disruptions during the match, although stadium staff intervened to prevent some fans from entering the field with Palestinian flags.

The attendance at the Stadio Friuli for the qualifier was notably low, with fewer than 10,000 tickets sold for the venue, which has a capacity of 25,000. This represented a stark contrast to the number of demonstrators outside the stadium.

In discussing the challenges surrounding the match, Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed gratitude towards the police, stating, “Today wasn’t easy for us. I want to thank the police who have done an incredible job in these days.”

The city of Udine had previously hosted a match between Italy and Israel a year ago, chosen for its location near the Slovenian border, which allowed for tighter security measures. Roadblocks were implemented around the stadium to further control access during this high-risk event.

As tensions between protesters and police highlighted the complex political climate, the interactions between sports and social issues remain a focal point, reflecting broader sentiments within society.