Italy Fans Protest Israel’s National Anthem in Hungary
During a Nations League match in Hungary, approximately 50 Italy fans clad in black staged a protest by turning their backs and holding up an Italian flag emblazoned with the word “Liberta” (Freedom). The fans also displayed banners with black slashes, a symbol of their opposition.
The protest stems from Israel’s decision to relocate its home games to Hungary due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintains close ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has promoted Hungary as a safe haven for Jews in Europe. Orbán has also banned Palestinian solidarity protests, citing concerns about public safety.
The same group of Italy fans who protested during the anthem also chanted against Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis during the first half. Salis was recently released from house arrest in Budapest after facing charges for allegedly assaulting far-right demonstrators. Her release came after she was elected to the European Parliament as a member of the Italian Green and Left Alliance.
Salis has become a polarizing figure in Italy, with images of her handcuffed and shackled in a Hungarian courtroom sparking outrage.
The Israel-Italy match was held at Bozsik Arena in Budapest, while Belgium’s 3-1 victory over Israel on Friday took place in Debrecen, Hungary. The Belgian soccer federation had previously stated that no local authority in Belgium felt it was safe to host a game against Israel due to security concerns.
Italy is scheduled to host Israel in Udine on October 14, but the city council has not endorsed the match. A pro-Palestinian protest has been planned for the same day in Udine.
