Pro-Palestine protests descend into chaos at crunch World Cup qualifier

PRO-PALESTINE protesters clashed with cops as Italy faced Israel in a crunch World Cup qualifier match.

Tensions erupted in northern Italy as thousands of furious demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Israel's involvement in the match due to the war in Gaza.

8 Pro-Palestine fury erupts ahead of Italy–Israel clash as water pistols shower protesters Credit: Reuters

8 Protesters waving Palestine flags held firecrackers during a pre-match protest Credit: Reuters

8 A barrier is smashed by a pro-Palestinian demonstrator during a march against the Israeli football team ahead of the Italy v Israel match Credit: Reuters

Protesters descended on the city of Udine hours before kick-off to demand Israel’s exclusion from international football competitions .

Some believe they should face the same punishment as Russia for their involvement in the conflict against terror group Hamas.

FIFA banned Russia from competing back in 2022 due to their illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Israel's national side has faced increasing issues during their recent international fixtures from pro-Palestine supporters.

Tonight saw firecrackers hurled towards riot police who responded by reinforcing a strict cordon between fans and deploying water cannons.

Protesters flooded the streets pre-game waving banners and chanting as thick plumes of smoke filled the air.

Some demonstrators hurled fireworks towards police lines, sending flashes and bangs ripping through the crowd while smoke billowed around them.

Banners demanding “Justice for Palestine” were hoisted high above the chaos turning the city centre into a scene of disorder.

The game ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for Italy but the issues continued on the pitch.

Multiple pitch invaders ran onto the pitch and had to be tackled to the ground by security.

The Israeli national anthem was even booed before kick off.

Security was ramped up to unprecedented levels for the high-risk match, with elite police snipers seen positioned on rooftops and helicopters circling overhead.

Snipers were also stationed on top of the Israel team hotel, while the city was under intense surveillance from the air.

The pro-Palestine march was kept away from the Stadio Friuli - deliberately chosen for its remote location on the outskirts of Udine.

Authorities wanted to keep the stadium isolated and secure. It’s far from the city centre and close to the Slovenian border, making it easier to seal off.

The area surrounding the ground was declared a “red zone,” with roadblocks, metal fencing and strict checkpoints in place.

Only fans with tickets were allowed through the barriers. Every supporter had to pass through metal detectors, and officials warned people to arrive early.

Shops and restaurants near the march route shut their doors on Tuesday, some removing outdoor furniture entirely to stop it being turned into makeshift weapons.

8 Security stop a pitch invader during the qualifier Credit: Getty

8 Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators took to the streets ahead of Israel’s World Cup qualifier in Udine Credit: Reuters

8 Tensions exploded in northern Italy Credit: AP

The match was officially classed in the highest risk category.

The Israel team bus was escorted to the stadium under maximum security, with military units stationed around the arena and additional snipers on the roof.

Inside the 25,000-seat ground, just over 9,000 tickets had been sold.

But while the atmosphere in the stands was tense, it was outside the stadium where scenes threatened to boil over.

The pro-Palestine demonstration moved through the city centre, gathering at Piazza Primo Maggio - the end point of the march.

Some protesters tried to break through the police cordon to move closer to the stadium.

Officers quickly pushed them back, sparking chaotic scenes as demonstrators shifted to another crossing point.

There was “no shortage of tension with the police” at the height of the clashes, according to local reports.

Inside the stadium, Italy fans made their feelings known too.

As the Israeli national anthem rang out before kick-off, boos echoed around the ground.

Around 10,000 spectators were in attendance. Some responded with applause - but others turned their backs in protest.

The demonstrations went ahead despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has brought a pause to two years of war.

Italy supporters had staged a similar demonstration last month, holding up banners reading “Stop” and refusing to face the pitch during the anthem.

That game was staged in Debrecen, Hungary , due to security fears.

This time, the Italian city of Udine became the flashpoint, with riot police, drones and snipers all mobilised to prevent disruption.

Italy’s squad for the qualifier included Premier League stars Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham, Manchester City goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali .

Israel went into the match chasing Italy for second place in their World Cup qualifying group, hoping to draw level on 12 points with a win.

But off the pitch, it was the huge security operation and the wave of protest that dominated the night.

8 Inside the stadium, Italy fans made their feelings known too Credit: Reuters

8 Tear gas is used as police clash with pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a march against the Israeli football team ahead of the Italy v Israel match Credit: Reuters