Ireland vs. Austria match interrupted by Palestinian solidarity protests

A UEFA Nations League match between Ireland and Austria at Aviva Stadium in Dublin was interrupted twice on Thursday due to protests regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

During the 20th minute, spectators threw tennis balls onto the pitch decorated with Palestinian flag colors and the slogan ‘#StopTheGame’. Play was halted to allow officials to clear the field. The match was interrupted again in the 35th minute when a supporter entered the pitch carrying a large Palestinian flag, prompting security to intervene and remove the individual.

The protests are part of a broader movement by fans and activists to pressure the Football Association of Ireland to refuse matches against Israel. This tension follows the withdrawal of goalkeeper Gavin Bazono from the national squad in protest of facing an Israeli opponent. The ‘Stop the Game’ campaign has claimed responsibility for the actions, describing them as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians.

In response to previous security concerns and political tensions, the Football Association of Ireland previously moved a scheduled match against Israel to a location in Serbia to be played behind closed doors.