A group of around 50 Italy fans, dressed in black, turned their backs in protest during Israel’s national anthem before a Nations League match held in neutral Hungary. The Italy fans also displayed an Italian flag with the word “Libertà” (Freedom) written on it. Other banners with black slashes were also put up by the “ultra” supporters.
Israel has been playing its home games in Hungary due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has promoted Hungary as the safest European country for Jews and banned pro-Palestinian protests, citing concerns over public safety.
The same Italy fans who protested during the anthem were also reported by Corriere della Sera to have chanted against Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis during the first half of the match. Salis was released from house arrest in Budapest in June, after facing charges of allegedly assaulting far-right demonstrators. She was freed after being elected as a member of the European Parliament for the Italian Green and Left Alliance. Her case became politically charged in Italy, especially after images of her in handcuffs and shackles in a Hungarian courtroom surfaced.
The Israel-Italy match took place at Bozsik Arena in Budapest. Belgium’s 3-1 win over Israel on Friday was held in Debrecen, Hungary, as no local authorities in Belgium were willing to host the match due to security concerns. Italy is scheduled to host Israel in Udine on October 14, but the city’s council has not endorsed the game, and a pro-Palestinian protest is planned for the same day.
