Before the World Cup qualifier in Udine, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protestors took to the streets demanding Israel’s boycott. A peaceful march was turned into chaos. Clashes broke out, tear gas filled the air, and even inside the stadium, the message was loud -“Red Card for Israel.” This wasn’t just a protest; it was a statement that echoed across Europe. Despite US President Donald Trump's “peace plan” being pushed globally, the reality on the ground tells a different story - one of anger, division, and defiance. As FIFA faces mounting pressure and global outrage, Rupha Ramani asks - can football really stay neutral when the world around it burns?
