Ireland match suddenly disrupted by tennis balls bearing a Palestinian sticker
During the Nations League match between Ireland and Austria, play was interrupted in the 20th minute when tennis balls bearing stickers of the Palestinian flag were thrown, resulting in a four‑minute stoppage. The balls also carried the slogan #StopTheGame and triggered immediate security measures.
Political message triggers stoppage
According to the Press Association, the campaign group “Stop the Game” claimed responsibility for the action. The balls were coloured in the Palestinian flag and bore the inscription “#StopTheGame”. The four‑minute interruption ended when security staff removed the balls from the pitch.
A few minutes later a runner carrying a Palestinian flag stormed onto the field before security forces detained him. The incident also occurred during the Nations League match and highlighted the tense atmosphere.
After play resumed, the match between Ireland and Austria ended in a 2‑2 draw. The result was not affected by the earlier interruptions, but the atmosphere remained marked by protests.
Protests before and after the match
Before kickoff in Dublin, demonstrators gathered to protest Israel’s role in the Gaza Strip. A small group from the “Stop the Game” initiative displayed a Palestinian flag and banners supporting Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who intends to boycott both Nations League matches against Israel.
The Ireland‑Palestine Solidarity Campaign organised further rallies across the country and is urging Ireland to boycott the remaining Nations League match on Sunday against Israel. The activists also demand that Ireland’s home match be played without spectators in Serbia.
Ahead of the match against Israel, the Irish entered the game in Debrecen wearing black armbands to remember the victims of the Gaza war, and won the duel 3‑0. The upcoming home match is therefore set to be played without an audience.
The Gaza war, triggered after the attack on 7 October 2023, has, according to the Hamas‑controlled health authority in the Gaza Strip, claimed more than 74 000 Palestinian lives. Despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025, deadly attacks continue.