Between Ireland and Qatar, an international friendly soccer match in Dublin had to be halted on two occasions Thursday because of supporters protesting Israel’s participation in the Nations League games.
According to The 42, tennis balls were tossed onto the Aviva Stadium field while the game was happening, being directed from the East, South and upper West seat sections. (RELATED: Kathy Hochul Doesn’t Know Ball — Attempt To Dunk On Trump Backfires Dramatically)
Afterwards, League of Ireland (LOI) supporters a part of the protest issued a statement that claimed it was their responsibility, shooting a “strong message” towards the government of Ireland, as well as the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
“The Nations League fixtures between Ireland and Israel must be cancelled,” reads the statement, per The 42.
WATCH:
The tennis balls rain down again and this time there are chants of Free Palestine and Stop The Game. Some fans groan/jeer initially but when it becomes clearer what’s happening there is more applause. pic.twitter.com/ZvUSWEqCPV
— David Sneyd (@DavidSneyd) May 28, 2026
Fans of every high-profile LOI team in Dublin were collaborated with supporters of Dundalk FC, Waterford, Cork City, Sligo Rovers, Drogheda United and Galway United for the contest, which saw tennis balls with “#StopTheGame” written on them tossed onto the pitch.
Footage that was shot in the press box by David Sneyd of The 42 shows when supporters located in the upper tier threw the tennis balls onto the field.
Also, a banner that read “#StopTheGame” was extended, with it being easily seen stretched from the front row and above the wall. In the stands, fans were also heard chanting, “Free Palestine.”
“It is unconscionable that these games would go ahead as the apartheid Occupation regime continues to perpetrate genocide against the Palestinian people,” said one fan involved in the protest, per The 42. “We would be literally playing football with likely war criminals.”