Dozens protest Lithuania-Israel football match in Kaunas

VILNIUS, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Dozens gathered outside the Darius and Girenas Stadium in Kaunas on Thursday to protest a friendly match between the Lithuanian and Israeli national football teams, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported.

The demonstration, held under the slogan "Red Card for Israel," featured Palestinian flags and posters opposing cooperation with Israel. One sign read: "Get these war criminals out of our sports."

Several students told BNS they joined the protest because they oppose Lithuania playing a friendly match with Israel. A 20-year-old student, Gvidas, said he believes Lithuania should boycott sporting and other forms of cooperation with Israel. Nineteen-year-old Nemunas Kezelis echoed the view, saying the match "should not take place."

Protest organizer Emilis Starodubovas, 26, said the aim was to voice disapproval of the fixture. Citing figures from the Palestinian Football Association, he said at least 380 footballers, referees and coaches had been killed in the past two years, and argued that Lithuania should suspend cooperation with the Israeli Football Association.

Kaunas City Council told BNS it had authorized a gathering of up to 150 participants. The friendly match is being held without spectators due to security concerns. Enditem