Budapest (Hungary): Around 50 fans protested against Israel by turning their back while the country’s national anthem was being played in the UEFA Nations League. Before the kick-off of the match between Italy and Israel, 50 Italian fans clad in all-black registered their protest. The Italy fans also held up an Italian flag with the word, Liberta (Freedom) on it. On the other banners shown by the protesting group, there were black slashes.
Because of the conflict with Hamas, Israel has moved its home games to Hungary. Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared close ties between them. Orban has put a ban on solidary protests against Palestine, saying they can harm public safety.
Earlier, Salis was under house arrest and was facing charges for allegedly assaulting far-right demonstrators. But, he was freed from house arrest in June. He was freed as a result of becoming the new member of the European Parliament for the Italian Green and Left Alliance.
The group of supporters were also seen chanting against the Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis according to Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
The Israel-Italy game was hosted at Bozsik Arena in Budapest. The other fixture between Belgium and Israel was played in Debrecen, Hungary. Italy will host Israel in Udine on October 14 but the City Council in the town has not endorsed the match so far. Notably, a pro-Palestinian protest has been scheduled for the same day in the northern city.
