Unfortunately for football, the focus during one of Israel’s recent matches has shifted from the pitch to off-field matters, and this appears to have influenced how they are being hosted. In their match against Italy in Udine earlier this week, some fans noticed something unusual — snipers.
No, this wasn’t a metaphor for midfielders with pinpoint accuracy (though Italy could certainly claim that title) but actual military or police personnel stationed on the stadium roof.
While such measures have been seen at high-profile games, events, and concerts in the past, Israel’s UEFA Nations League clash with Italy was far from one of those. In fact, the Stadio Friuli wasn’t even full that evening.
I cecchini sul tetto dello stadio per Italia-Israele.
Questo è il risultato di giocare una partita (inutile) contro un paese AGGRESSORE, da oltre 70 anni, non solo verso un altro paese ma verso l’intera comunità globale.
Clima surreale e, soprattutto, indecente. pic.twitter.com/JJjz00goKG
— SSam ⭐️⭐️ 🐍 (@__SSam_77) October 14, 2024
For those following international news, however, this likely came as no surprise. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have placed Israel and its citizens under intense scrutiny — some of it positive, much of it negative.
The Italian authorities in Udine likely wanted to minimize any potential risk or external threats, which explains the presence of the snipers. At least they got to enjoy Italy’s 4-1 victory over Israel — as one fan on X pointed out, the stadium had security tighter than an airport.
