Kosovo fans boo and whistle Israeli national anthem before 0-0 Nations League draw
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo supporters booed and whistled Israel's national anthem before the 0-0 Nations League draw in Pristina on Saturday as the visitors were given another hostile reception because of their country’s actions in Gaza.Some of the Kosovan players also bowed their heads while the anthem was played, while Israel’s players and coaching staff sang passionately, apparently in…
In the Serbian capital of Pristina, Kosovo fans vocally opposed Israel's national anthem during a 0-0 Nations League draw on Saturday. The visitors encountered further hostility due to their nation's actions in Gaza. Some Kosovo players bowed their heads while the anthem was played, while Israel's players and coaching staff sang passionately, seemingly disregarding the discontent of the home fans.
The hostile atmosphere persisted throughout the match, which ended in a draw despite Kosovo midfielder Veldin Hodža being sent off in the 67th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a tactical foul. Israel played two contentious games against Ireland last month, where the opposition bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem and refrained from shaking hands with their counterparts.
These matches were marred by protests in Ireland, leading the Football Association of Ireland to relocate the home match to a neutral venue in Serbia, with no fans in attendance. Notably, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu decided to boycott the matches. This encounter, however, did not escape controversy, with Bazunu opting out of the games.
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