Italian Fans Turns Backs on Israeli Anthem in Protest Against Gaza Genocide
Debrecen (Quds News Network)- Pro-Palestinian Italian fans turned their backs during the Israeli national anthem on Monday night, as Israel played against Italy in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Debrecen. They also held up signs with the word “Stop” in protest against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
During the playing of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikva, dozens of Italian fans turned their backs to the field. Afterward, they raised signs designed like stop signs with the word “STOP” written on them, in protest of the assault in Gaza.
Italy fans turned their backs during the Israeli anthem. #Azzurri pic.twitter.com/Mqesee6FWo
— Juventus News Live (@juvenewslive) September 8, 2025
It was not the first time Italian supporters expressed opposition to Israel during a match to protest the assault.
About a year ago, in a Nations League game between the Israel and Italy in Budapest, several dozen Italy fans also turned their backs during the anthem. When the Israeli stadium announcer tried to rally the crowd with chants of “El-El Israel,” the Italian fans booed and made obscene gestures.
Earlier this summer, Italy’s coaches’ association (AIAC) sent an official letter to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), demanding Israel be suspended from international competition over “the genocide taking place in Gaza for nearly two years.”
In a statement published on the AIAC’s official website, which is part of growing international pressure to exclude Israel from sporting events, the group wrote the suspension would be “not only a symbolic step, but a necessary choice, a moral duty — a step on which the entire leadership agrees.”
Football fans worldwide have increasingly used their platforms to protest Israel’s genocide in Gaza, with demonstrations spanning from stadiums to city streets.
