Israel anthem booed in Pristina as Kosovo and Israel draw 0-0

Kosovo fans booed during Israel’s national anthem before the teams’ UEFA Nations League match, while some Kosovo players bowed their heads. The game ended 0-0 despite the hosts finishing with 10 players.

Kosovo fans booed during Israel’s national anthem before the two national teams’ UEFA Nations League match, which was held on Saturday at Fadil Vokrri Stadium in the capital, Pristina, and ended in a goalless 0-0 draw.

The Associated Press said the visitors received another hostile reception over Israel’s actions in Gaza, while some Kosovo players bowed their heads during the anthem. Israel’s players and coaching staff sang it enthusiastically, appearing to challenge the home fans.

The footage, filmed from the stands, shows the two teams lined up in the center of the pitch before kickoff as loud boos came from the packed stands during Israel’s anthem. Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ estimated the attendance at around 14,000.

Player sent off in the 67th minute

Boos directed at the Israeli players continued throughout the match. Kosovo finished with 10 players after midfielder Florent Hoxha was sent off in the 67th minute for a second booking following a tactical foul, but the hosts continued to press and came closest to scoring without changing the result.

The match was part of the fifth round of League B, Group 3, which also includes Ireland and Austria. The result kept Kosovo in second place with six points, while Israel remained bottom with three points. Kosovo will visit Ireland in the final round on November 17, while Israel will host Austria.

Israel player Oscar Gloukh during the match against Kosovo in Pristina

Protests follow Israeli team

Israel played two controversial matches against Ireland last month, during which Irish players bowed their heads while Israel’s anthem was played and avoided shaking hands with their opponents. Protests in Ireland overshadowed both matches, prompting the Football Association of Ireland to move its home match from Dublin to a neutral stadium in Serbia without spectators. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu also decided to boycott both matches.

Photos: Associated Press. Video: Social media

Israel anthem booed in Pristina as Kosovo and Israel draw 0-0