Udine, Italy
Reuters
—
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched Tuesday within the northern Italian metropolis of Udine before Italy’s World Cup soccer qualifier in opposition to Israel, concluding their principally peaceable protest with clashes involving police.
The march, attended by over 5,000 members in accordance with preliminary police estimates, wound its approach by way of town middle from late afternoon, before the match on the Friuli Stadium, which Italy gained 3-0, kicked off at 20:45 (2:45 p.m. ET).
Organizers, Committee for Palestine-Udine, known as on soccer’s world governing physique, FIFA, to ban Israel from all competitions, saying the crew supported “occupation policies” within the Palestinian territories.
Protesters carried an 18-meter Palestinian flag and a big purple banner with the demonstration’s slogan, “Show Israel the red card.” A metallic statue symbolizing justice held scales in a single hand and a purple card within the different.
“There has been a ceasefire, but not peace. As I wrote on my placard, there can be no peace without justice,” mentioned demonstrator Valentina Bianchi.
At the top of the march, some protesters threw firecrackers and crowd-control limitations at anti-riot police, who responded with water cannons and tear fuel.
In a press release, state broadcaster RAI mentioned one in every of its journalists had been hit by a stone and brought to hospital. Ansa information company reported a second journalist was injured within the clashes and a few police officers had additionally obtained remedy.
“What happened tonight is unacceptable. Our city strongly condemns the violence that took place in the streets at the end of the demonstration,” Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni mentioned.
Organizers pressed forward with the protest even after Israel and militant group Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal that included the discharge of the remaining dwelling Israeli hostages and the return of Palestinian prisoners.
The Italian soccer federation mentioned simply over 9,000 tickets had been offered for the match in opposition to Israel, properly wanting the decreased capability of 16,000.
Some outlets stored their shutters down for the whole day whereas others closed within the afternoon because the protest started, amid fears of injury after violence at demonstrations in Italy in current weeks.
Local authorities issued a raft of restrictions, together with highway closures and parking limits, and put in concrete limitations across the stadium to create safety zones.
Serving foods and drinks in glass, ceramic or tin containers was banned on match day, and outside furnishings needed to be faraway from exterior public institutions.
Some residents disliked the high-security environment within the normally quiet metropolis.
“I saw helicopters flying over my head. I believe such a deployment of forces for a football match should never take place,” mentioned resident Paolo Lizzi.