Buenos Aires( The COW News Digital) In a bold political statement, fans of the Argentine football club All Boys (Club Atlético All Boys) staged a symbolic funeral for Israel ahead of a match against Club Atlético Atlanta. The act was carried out to protest Israel’s military actions in Palestine and Iran, which continue to stir global outrage.
Before kickoff at the stadium in Buenos Aires, a group of All Boys supporters gathered in the stands with a symbolic coffin draped in the Israeli flag. Protesters carried the coffin while waving Iranian flags, chanting slogans condemning Israeli policies in the Middle East.
Videos circulating on social media show the crowd participating in the mock funeral procession, drawing mixed reactions from onlookers and online users. Some viewed the protest as a powerful message of solidarity with oppressed populations, while others criticized it as overly provocative and inappropriate for a sporting event.
The demonstration was reportedly sparked by recent escalations in Israeli military operations in Gaza and retaliatory actions in Iran, which have drawn widespread condemnation, especially in countries with strong pro-Palestinian sentiment.
All Boys fans have a history of political activism, and the protest reflected growing frustration over global inaction toward the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Protest banners, including images of civilian casualties and slogans like “Stop the Genocide,” were also displayed in the stands.
The opposing team, Atlanta, is traditionally associated with Argentina’s Jewish community, adding further complexity to the event. However, there were no reports of violence or direct confrontation between fan groups at the match.
Local authorities confirmed they are reviewing footage from the protest but emphasized that no laws were broken, and the event remained peaceful. Football governing bodies in Argentina have yet to comment on whether disciplinary action will be taken against the club or its supporters.
Human rights activists and pro-Palestinian groups have praised the protest as a symbolic stand against oppression, while pro-Israeli organizations have denounced it as anti-Semitic and called for FIFA and Argentine football authorities to investigate.
This incident highlights the increasing intersection of sports and geopolitics, as stadiums continue to serve as platforms for social and political expression.
