Italy fans turn backs on Israel anthem and hold protest signs | OneFootball

Italy fans once again turned their backs in protest during the Israel national anthem ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Debrecen.

It kicked off at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the action as it happens on the Liveblog.

There is inevitably a degree of tension and controversy around this match, which is played on neutral turf in Hungary due to the on-going security situation.

Israel were wearing black armbands following the terror attack this morning that killed six people who were at a bus stop in Jerusalem.

This prompted even stronger security measures in and around the mainly empty stadium.

Italy fans protest during Israel anthem

Israel vs. Italy, 2026 World Cup qualifier

A few hundred fans did manage to get into the stands cheering on the two teams, but the Italy supporters turned their backs during the Israeli national anthem.

This was a repeat of the protest that had also been enacted the last time these two nations played football in September 2024.

There were also some banners in the stands, as the Italy fans had printed out ‘Stop’ signs.

There had been an open letter from the Italian Coaches’ Association urging for UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel, the same way they did Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, over the disastrous humanitarian crisis in Gaza.