Italy ultras turn back on Israel anthem | OneFootball

Circa 50 Italy ultras turned their backs to the Israel national anthem before a Nations League game last night, while the stadium announcer irritated the Azzurri staff during the match.

Italian ultras in Budapest for a Nations League game between the Azzurri and Israel turned their back on Israel’s anthem last night as a sign of protest.

The game was played at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, Israel’s home ground since the dramatic escalation in the Middle East war in October 2023.

Italy ultras turn back on Israel’s anthem

Il Corriere della Sera reports Budapest has been chosen for Israel’s home matches as the Hungarian federation is the only one that guarantees security and the lack of Palestinian flags during games. Nevertheless, Italian ultras still found a way to protest Israel.

Corriere reports another minor incident during the match: the stadium announcer encouraged chants supporting the Israel team. The appeal irritated the Italian federation and UEFA, which urged blocking the announcements.

Israel and Italy meet in the reverse fixture in Udine on October 14. A demonstration in support of Palestine, unrelated to Italian ultras and football, has already been announced for the same day.