Demonstrators gave a clear message during Saturday’s rugby match between Malta and Israel, holding up red cards in protest against the Israeli national team’s participation.
Around 40 activists from various local groups—including Moviment Graffitti, Ġustizzja għall-Palestina, Watermelon Warriors, Lebanese Advocates, and Youth for Palestine—gathered at the match to voice their opposition.
As the Israeli national anthem played, protestors raised red cards in unison, referencing Rugby Union’s rule where a red card signifies serious, deliberate foul play.
The demonstrators waved Palestinian flags—smuggled in despite strict security—and chanted slogans such as “Free, free Palestine,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “Boycott Israel.” The protest took place under tight police surveillance.
In a statement, Moviment Graffitti said that sport is not apolitical. “National teams represent the state and are used to build legitimacy on the global stage,” the group said, drawing parallels to Russia’s suspension from European sporting bodies after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
They called for similar measures to be taken against Israel due to its ongoing war in Gaza.
The activists accused Israel of engaging in “sports-washing”—using international sport to distract from its treatment of Palestinians.
They highlighted the stark contrast between the freedoms enjoyed by Israeli athletes and the obstacles faced by Palestinian sportspeople, including travel bans, imprisonment, and even death.
The protest coincided with reports from Gaza that an Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced civilians had killed at least 31 people, including children.
Gaza’s civil defence spokesperson said women, children, and a pregnant woman expecting twins were among the victims.
Moviment Graffitti concluded by accusing Western governments of enabling Israel’s actions, stating that the only ethical stance is to isolate Israel from global institutions, including sports organisations.
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