During a football match between Ireland and Qatar on May 30, 2026, Irish supporters threw dozens of tennis balls onto the pitch, according to an AFP journalist at the stadium. The balls were branded with Palestinian flags and the words 'Stop the Game'.
The protest occurred around the 11th minute, shortly after Ireland scored the only goal in a 1-0 lead. The match was temporarily halted as officials cleared the balls from the field.
The protest is believed to be related to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, though no group immediately claimed responsibility. The match resumed after a brief delay.
