Kosovo fans protest Israel anthem as hosts hold on for Nations League draw

Kosovo players lowered their heads during Israel’s national anthem as home supporters loudly booed before Saturday’s Nations League match in Pristina, which ended 0-0.

The gesture came moments before kick-off at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, where a large Kosovo crowd gave Israel a hostile reception amid heightened political tensions surrounding the situation in Gaza.

The whistles continued throughout the match whenever an Israel player touched the ball. Videos shared on social media showed several Kosovo players standing with their heads bowed during the anthem in what was widely seen as a symbolic protest.

The scene recalled the previous international break, when Republic of Ireland players also lowered their heads during the same anthem in two controversial fixtures. Republic of Ireland players also avoided shaking hands with their opponents.

Kosovo’s efforts to turn the atmosphere into a positive result were complicated when midfielder Veldin Hodza was sent off in the 67th minute. He received a second yellow card for a tactical foul, leaving the hosts to play the final stages with 10 men.

Despite the dismissal, Kosovo maintained its defensive shape and secured a point in the fifth round of Group C in League B of the Nations League.

The Pristina fixture was not the first between the teams to be marked by protests during Israel’s anthem. Similar crowd reactions occurred when the sides met in November 2023, prompting UEFA to open disciplinary proceedings.

The latest match took place against wider calls for Israel’s participation in international competitions to be reviewed, with debate continuing over the conflict in Gaza and its impact on sporting events. The game itself, however, remained an official Nations League fixture.

Kosovo are second in the group with six points from five matches, having recorded one win, three draws and one defeat. Israel remain bottom on three points, with three draws and two losses and no victories.

Austria have already secured top spot and promotion to League A after beating Republic of Ireland 1-0. They have 11 points.

Kosovo will play Republic of Ireland in the final round on Tuesday, while Israel face Austria. Those matches will determine the final positions in the group and the teams’ prospects of reaching the play-offs or being relegated.