A pro-Palestine protest took place outside of the OVO Hydro in Glasgow last night ahead of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
The group Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card, which stands against the crimes committed against Palestinian sportspeople during Israel's genocide in Gaza, stood outside the arena with Palestine flags and a huge sign that read "1009 murdered".
Posting a statement to Facebook, the group explained that the sign referenced "1009 Palestinian athletes who have been murdered by Israel".
It continued: "Sports facilities destroyed or used as detention camps.
"Those who have not been murdered are still living through the horrors of genocide.
"There was never a ceasefire."
At the start of July Israeli forces in Gaza killed a Palestinian footballer while he was on his way home from work.
32-year-old Saleem Al-Ashqar, who played as a goalkeeper for Khan Younis-based club Khadamat Khan, was killed by live fire from Israeli tanks which also reportedly targeted other unarmed civilians.
More than 1000 Palestinian sportspeople have been killed in Israel's genocidal war since October 2023. Sporting infrastructure has also been decimated, with around 290 stadiums and sports complexes having been destroyed or damaged by Israeli strikes.
At least 73,066 people, 21,500 of which were children including 1022 babies, have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, with more than 90% of the area destroyed and Israel in control of around 80% of the strip.
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 were official opened by King Charles last night. The ceremony was also attended by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and saw entertainment from the likes of Simple Minds, Nina Nesbitt, and Calum Beattie.
Speaking at the ceremony, King Charles said: “As we gather, we celebrate the dedication and talent of every athlete and team.
“Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate your achievements in the coming days.
“For these Games, the relay has carried another message – to help remove the plastic pollution that harms our oceans and waterways, and can impact on human health.
“Addressing plastic pollution complements the immense global efforts required to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.”
Glasgow is hosting a scaled-back version of the games, stepping in to host after Australia's Gold Coast withdrew.
The OVO Hydro has been contacted for comment.
