On Saturday 11 April 2026, thousands of ordinary, peace-loving people will gather in Trafalgar Square, London. They’ll be there in open defiance of the UK government’s misguided crackdown on peaceful protest. This peaceful vigil, called ‘Everyone Day’, will demonstrate the unwaning resistance to the ban on Palestine Action. The UK government unlawfully proscribed this direct action movement as a ‘terrorist group’, paving the way for numerous arrests.

The action will be a peaceful vigil, with people sitting down holding their handwritten paper signs. The signs will carry the by now world-famous words:

I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action

Since July 2025, nearly 2,800 people have been arrested under terrorism legislation for holding these signs during peaceful vigils, as part of what was described as the “most widespread mass civil disobedience in modern UK history”.

In February, the High Court ruled that the government’s proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful and disproportionate. The effect of this judgment has been stayed to allow for the government to appeal.

The Met flip-flopping over arrests

Shortly after the ruling, the Metropolitan police issued a clear public statement that they would not arrest people for publicly displaying support for Palestine Action. Instead, the Met said that ‘gathering intelligence’ was the most proportionate action it could take. Only a few weeks later, the Met contradicted this public position by arresting a woman on a peaceful march.

In the weeks that followed, the Met issued a further statement marking a complete U-turn, saying that it would be arresting people after all. It is unclear what prompted this reassessment of proportionality other than correspondence from Defend Our Juries and the organisation of Everyone Day.

The Met’s U-Turn has come under fire, with leading law firm Hodge Jones & Allen arguing that any arrests would be unlawful. Nonetheless, a further 19 people have been arrested for showing support for Palestine Action since the policy change, with further arrests expected during Saturday’s action.

A spokesperson from Defend Our Juries said:

The protest against the proscription of Palestine Action has grown beyond a question of the right to protest. The actions of the UK government and police following the High Court’s ruling expose what many have long known: democracy in the UK is on its knees.

The government’s refusal to accept the judgment of the country’s highest court, coupled with inconsistent and opaque policing decisions, signals a troubling disregard for the rule of law. These are not the actions of institutions committed to protecting citizens, but of a state prioritising its own authority.

This campaign now extends far beyond Palestine Action, beyond Gaza, and beyond the principles of protest and free speech. It speaks to a fundamental erosion of the right to dissent and to hold power to account. This is no longer a marginal issue – it concerns everyone who values democratic freedoms.

Defend Our Juries reminds those planning to attend Everyone Day to read the Action Briefing in full before attending, which includes important legal information. It reminds participants to not have on their person any incriminating bits of paper, sharp items, valuables, drugs (except labelled prescription), phones with sensitive information, or items used to ‘lock on’.

Defend Our Juries gently reminds all attendees, whether sitting vigil participants or spectators, that this is a peaceful vigil and asks everyone to respect this.

Featured image via Defend Our Juries

Real Madrid is facing an unprecedented storm of controversy after a disastrous European night, both on and off the pitch, following their 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League quarter-finals. The match not only complicated their continental campaign but also ignited a major crisis off the field.

On the pitch, the Royal Club appeared unable to keep up with Bayern’s pace, suffering a loss that foreshadows a disastrous end to the season and significantly diminishes their chances of competing for titles. This has led to harsh criticism directed at the players and coaching staff, making it one of the most frustrating nights for their fans.

But, their football is the least of their problems.

Real Madrid have an Islamophobia problem

But what happened in the stands was far more serious than the result itself, after videos surfaced showing shocking racist chants by some Real Madrid fans, directly targeting Muslims with the phrase: “Anyone who doesn’t jump is a Muslim.” This incident has brought back to the forefront one of the most sensitive issues in European football.

Cánticos racistas junto al Bernabéu antes del partido de Champions entre el Real Madrid y el Bayern de Munich.
“Musulmán el que no bote”.
El Madrid tiene millones de seguidores musulmanes.
Lamentable. pic.twitter.com/pcjshvqRa5

— Julián Macías Tovar (@JulianMaciasT) April 7, 2026

The same chant had previously caused a stir during a friendly match between Spain and Egypt, revealing a worrying pattern of recurring behavior, not just an isolated incident.

Spanish football under scrutiny

These developments come at a highly sensitive time, especially with FIFA’s move to open an official investigation into the previous incident during the friendly match against Egypt. This puts the reputation of Spanish football at stake and threatens repercussions that could extend beyond traditional sanctions, potentially impacting Spain’s hosting of the 2030 World Cup.

This latest incident is just the latest in a long series of racist abuse incidents within Spanish stadiums, the most prominent victims of which have been Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, along with other prominent names like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Ansu Fati. This situation reflects a crisis that runs deeper than mere individual transgressions.

Amid this storm, Real Madrid finds itself compelled to act swiftly, cooperating with Spanish authorities to identify and hold accountable those involved, in an attempt to contain the fallout from the scandal. This is particularly important given that similar incidents in 2024 resulted in the arrest of several fans inside the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

Between a loss that threatens its season and a scandal that tarnishes its global image, Real Madrid faces a true test, not only to salvage its European campaign but also to protect its reputation from further damage in a battle that now transcends the boundaries of football.

Featured image via the Canary

The legacy media are fluffing their Israel reporting again. The Guardian reported on 8 March 2026 that “Israel hits Lebanon with massive wave of airstrikes amid ceasefire uncertainty”. This is, at best, a half truth.

There’s uncertainty about the ‘when’ of the tentative ceasefire between Iran and the US, sure. Not least on the ground in the affected countries. As Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett reported:

The Israeli army launched what it said were 100 air strikes at multiple locations across Lebanon in a span of 10 minutes.

I am at the scene of one of them in central Beirut. The devastation is extraordinary. These strikes came without warning. They came at a moment of confusion across Lebanon as to whether the regional ceasefire applied here.

But the ‘what’ of Israel’s plans in Lebanon is as clear as day and at least as old as Israel itself: Zionism demands the settler-colonial state batters Lebanon into submission and colonises large swathes of it. How’s that for ‘uncertainty’?

And the current assault, it is being reported, rivals the 1982 war for violence:

Al Jazeera Arabic’s bureau chief in Lebanon, Mazen Ibrahim, says that many in the capital have been reminded today of Israel’s invasion of Beirut in 1982.

Israel, America’s attack dog in the region, could well wreck this fragile ceasefire. You can read our analysis of the scale and scope of the current attack here.

Israel: the ‘ceasefire’ terms are clear

The Iranian terms for a two week cessation of hostilities, which have been accepted by the US in a Pakistan-China brokered deal, contain a number of points. One of these is:

Halting the war on all resistance fronts, “including against the heroic Islamic resistance of Lebanon” (Hezbollah)

A later version of the demands reportedly expands this slightly:

The “necessity to end the war” against all Resistance axis factions – fronts listed in the document include Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine (occupied territories) – described as the “historic defeat of the child-killing Israeli regime’s aggression”

Read for yourself:

🚨 REPORT | Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the Islamic Republic’s top security decision-making body, announced that “negotiations will begin with complete distrust of the American side on Friday, April 10, in Islamabad,” with 2 weeks allocated for talks to finalize the… https://t.co/QExSWLTZU4

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) April 8, 2026

Now, you can quibble over the wording but an end to Israel’s attack on Lebanon is a load-bearing strut in this ceasefire.

So what was Israel’s response to this chance for even a moment of respite? In the Israel Occupation Forces’ (IOF) own words:

the largest coordinated strike across Lebanon since the start of Operation Roaring Lion.

‼️ In 10 minutes, the IDF completed the largest coordinated strike across Lebanon since the start of Operation Roaring Lion.

The strike targeted 100+ Hezbollah headquarters, military arrays, & command-and-control centers in Beirut, Beqaa and southern Lebanon, including:

•…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 8, 2026

The fact that Israel remains the primary aggressor – even at the potential cost of wrecking a fragile ceasefire – should be central to ANY reportage. That Israel might wreck the tentative agreement intentionally is a whole other can of worms. One that we – and any media outlet worth its salt – should have the courage to crack open.

Israel’s ambition in Lebanon

Al-Jazeera reported on 8 March that Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said:

We will continue to strike the terrorist organisation Hezbollah and seize every opportunity.

We will not compromise on the security of the [Israeli] residents of the North. We will continue to attack without pause.

And Israeli Defense Minister Katz said:

Hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists were attacked in a surprise strike on headquarters across Lebanon in the largest concentrated blow Hezbollah has absorbed since Operation Buzzers… We warned Naim Qassem that Hezbollah will pay a very heavy price for attacking Israel on Iran’s behalf – and Naim Qassem’s personal turn will come too.

Underneath the usual reference to ‘terrorists’ and ‘security’ the same old colonial ambitions are what drives the Israeli state machine.

And within hours of the ceasefire plan being publicised, Iran – which had to some degree reopened the vital oil channel through the Straits of Hormuz – reportedly closed it in direct response to the Israeli attack on Lebanon:

🚨BREAKING: Iran has halted all oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to IRGC-linked Fars News Agency.

The pause comes after a brief reopening earlier in the day, when two oil tankers were allowed to pass with Iranian…

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) April 8, 2026

Underpinning colonial ambitions

Israel are not getting it all their own way. As the Canary reported on 4 April, the settler-colonial state could still face humiliation:

Israel’s invasion and attempted annexation of southern Lebanon has been portrayed as a sideshow to the war in Iran. And legacy media coverage has tended to miss out details of stubborn resistance to the Israeli military campaign.

Meanwhile, Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich made it very clear that the Israeli invasion has colonialist, expansionist aims.

Reuters reported on 23 March 2026:

Smotrich told an Israeli radio program that the military campaign in Lebanon “needs to end with a different reality entirely, both with the Hezbollah ​decision but also with the change of Israel’s borders.”

Smotrich added:

I say here definitively…in every room and in every discussion, too: the new Israeli border must be the Litani.

Foiled for the moment in the long-dreamed-of war with Iran it helped push the erratic US president into, Israel is still eager to pursue its ambitions in Lebanon – even at the risk of wrecking the ceasefire and re-igniting the hot war with Iran.

Featured image via the Canary

FIFA has opened an official investigation into the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The investigation follows racist chants during last week’s friendly match between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona, ​​as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The incident sparked widespread controversy and condemnation in both the sporting and political spheres, at a time when international pressure is mounting to combat racism in football stadiums.

Disciplinary proceedings and official investigation

According to a report in the Athletic, FIFA confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the RFEF following the events that occurred during the friendly against Egypt, which took place during the international break.

The referee documented the racist chants in his official report, leading to the case being referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for review and appropriate action.

Offensive chants spark crisis

Racist chants, most notably ‘Anyone who doesn’t jump is a Muslim’, were heard in the stands of Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium, sparking widespread outrage and being considered a blatant violation of FIFA’s anti-discrimination regulations.

Potential sanctions without stadium closures

According to reports, the potential sanctions against the Spanish Football Federation could range from a fine to requiring them to display anti-racism awareness messages during upcoming matches.

However, the same source indicates that the sanctions are not expected to extend to closing stadiums to fans, despite the seriousness of the incident.

A sensitive test before the 2030 World Cup

These developments come at a sensitive time for Spain, which is preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Morocco and Portugal, potentially placing it under international scrutiny regarding its anti-racism record.

FIFA continues to tighten its measures against racist behavior, having previously clearly supported Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in his repeated stances against racist abuse in European stadiums.

Featured image via the Canary

Kai Havertz scored in the 90th minute to give Arsenal a 1–0 win away to Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal in Lisbon. The result hands Arsenal a slender but valuable advantage heading to the second leg at the Emirates.

Early shock

In the sixth minute, Sporting displayed a leading stance when Maxi Araújo’s rising shot met a diagonal from Ousmane Diomande. David Raya pushed the ball onto the crossbar with a fingertip save. This early intervention proved empirical in keeping the score level (UEFA match analysis). After the game, Raya said:

Those saves give you confidence. We believe 100% that we can win it…If you don’t believe then you’re never going to win it.

Midfield chess — Arteta’s plan and its limits

Mikel Arteta started Martin Zubimendi alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard to win space in midfield. Zubimendi’s positioning allowed Rice to press forward and gave Ødegaard room to probe between Sporting’s lines. Yet Arsenal struggled to find a clean final pass. Gabriel Martinelli threatened down the left but had cutbacks blocked. Noni Madueke found Matheus Reis a tough matchup.

Sporting invited Arsenal to play and relied on counters. Viktor Gyökeres worked hard to bring teammates into the game, while Sporting’s best moments came from long range, a sign of Arsenal’s defensive discipline.

Momentum swings

Arsenal believed they had taken the lead in the 58th minute when Zubimendi finished a neat move. VAR intervened and ruled Viktor Gyökeres offside in the buildup, wiping the goal out. The emotional swing was sharp: Arsenal had to reset after the disallowed goal, and Sporting found fresh belief.

The match opened up after that. Trincão curled a shot wide and Geny Catamo forced another save from Raya. Arsenal pushed but could not break Sporting’s compact defence.

In the 76th minute Arteta brought on 16yearold Max Dowman for Zubimendi. Dowman became the youngest English player to appear in a Champions League knockout match. Arteta said of Dowman:

He’s ready. He’s shown it every day. Moments like this are part of his growth.

Havertz’s late moment of quality

As the match looked destined for a draw, Martinelli delivered the decisive pass in the 90th minute. He threaded a weighted ball between Diomande and Eduardo Quaresma; Havertz ghosted into the gap, took one touch and slotted the finish past Rui Silva. It was a composed, well-timed strike that broke the deadlock. After the goal, Havertz said:

It’s something very special that is happening at Arsenal. We believe until the last second.

What it means for the tie

Sporting leave Lisbon with pride intact. They matched Arsenal for long periods, created chances, and conceded only to a late lapse. Their compact, aggressive defensive shape gives them a platform for the return leg.

On the other hand, Arsenal controlled key phases, rode the VAR setback, and produced a decisive moment at the end. The tie is far from finished, but Arsenal will head to the Emirates in a stronger position.

Featured image via the Canary

Anti-war activist group Genocide-Free Cyprus have warned that despite pressure the UK wants to keep its colonial presence on the island intact. The group are vocal opponents of the use of Cypriot bases for Israeli genocide and the US/Israeli war on Iran.

They said in a post on 7 March:

They previously warned on 3 April:

The UK government is actively ramping up personnel and military equipment at RAF Akrotiri as the US and ‘I$rael’ intensify their attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran.

Increasing numbers of foreign military aircraft are now passing through the bases, with no transparency or public disclosure about their purpose.

Adding:

These bases in Cyprus are being exploited to enable and sustain military operations that are deepening suffering and devastation across the region.

Cyprus is a war base for Britain

Cyprus is a hub for British military flights over Gaza. The flights are suspected to be gathering intelligence for Israel.

A suspected Hezbollah drone of Iranian manufacture hit Cyprus on 2 March 2026. Locals have raised their concerns about British colonial bases:

The British military has openly stated it considers Cyprus to be an aircraft carrier to project military force, As the Canary reported on 17 March, the head of the military Sir Richard Knighton said:

We don’t need the carrier. We don’t need the Navy. We have an aircraft carrier – it’s called Cyprus.

Knighton was answering criticism that the UK was unprepared for war. But his attitude betrays the same old colonial arrogance.

Snowden leaks show the truth

And as reporter Matt Kennard said on 17 March the US also used the island as a colonial spy base:

Top Secret (Strap1) document leaked by Edward Snowden

First time we knew the specifics of UK spy sites on its Cyprus colonies

First time we knew that every single one was a joint site with US spies

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Snowden did the world a major service – a hero for the ages pic.twitter.com/oCqRzDlSal

— Matt Kennard (@kennardmatt) March 17, 2026

The Snowden leak Kennard is referring to states:

Cyprus hosts a wide range of UK and US intelligence facilities.

Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on 3 March:

Despite the assurances given in yesterday’s address by the prime minister of the United Kingdom, there was no clear clarification that the British bases in Cyprus would not under any circumstances be used for any reason other than humanitarian.

Adding:

The information we had, through many communications and at various levels, was clear, that the British bases would have a strictly humanitarian role.

Genocide-Free Cyprus clearly feel their country has been colonised. They’re well within their rights to say so. UK and US control of sovereign Cypriot territory should end. And the sooner the better.

Featured image via the Canary

Iran and the US have agreed to a two week ceasefire. Mostly, it appears, on Iran’s terms. Israel has said Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire deal. UK PM Keir Starmer effectively vanished from sight ahead of the deadline for US president Donald Trump’s genocidal threat to wipe out Iran at 8pm EDT on 7 March 2026.

Starmer nowhere to be seen

Starmer re-emerged at 7.10am on 8 March once the ceasefire was announced. His comments were typically milquetoast:

I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.

Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 8, 2026

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His only tweet on 7 March – commencement day of a potential genocide and nuclear war  – was in reference to far-right rapper Kanye West’s cancelled appearance at the Wireless festival:

Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless.

This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.

We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 7, 2026

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Starmer’s absence at that critical moment in world affairs was so obvious that even right-wing TV fool Mike ‘Concrete Grows‘ Graham belittled the PM:

Like a fart in the wind… https://t.co/PNHI9Tcwig

— Mike Graham 🇬🇧 (@Iromg) April 8, 2026

UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper also released a statement:

It is vital that the proposed talks lead to a full end to the conflict and ensure that Iran does not continue to threaten the Strait or its neighbours. I also call for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon.

We will continue to work internationally to support this ceasefire, to promote progress on negotiations, and to restore and protect security and stability for the region, and freedom of navigation for the world.

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And the BBC reported that Starmer would visit the region in light of the ceasefire. A move bound to lift the spirits of the embattled people of the Middle East…

Trump is still trying to claim a win

Trump, who started the war without provocation, said this was a day for world peace and the start of a “golden age” for the region:

💢 Trump declares “big day for World Peace” following announcement of two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran

🔹Trump said that the U.S. “will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz,” without stating what the U.S. role would entail. “There will be lots of… pic.twitter.com/azlVKtwhEN

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) April 8, 2026

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US-Israel attacked Iran first on 28 February without provocation. Iran was offering unprecedented concessions in negotiations at the time. The Pentagon has since stated there was no imminent threat from Iran. And the UN’s atomic watchdog, the IAEA, has said there is no evidence Iran was developing a nuclear weapon.

The US has achieved none of its original war aims. Iran predictably closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil channel, once attacked – creating a global energy crisis. Far from being defeated, Iran has said the war will continue until “the enemy’s inevitable and permanent humiliation, disgrace, regret, and surrender”. Trump came to power on an anti-war ‘America First’ ticket. He now faces worldwide humiliation.

There is some confusion over the details and origin of the ten-point ceasefire deal. But there is a strong sense that Trump accepted Iran’s terms while trying to rehash them as his own for the benefit of less media savvy audiences:

This is nuts, Trump really did do exactly what Ryan Grim suggested he do hours earlier: pretend Iran’s ten-point plan is a new proposal, counting on the fact that the media hasn’t been reporting on Iran’s demands to make it look like a new offer Tehran put forward in desperation. https://t.co/ywm6f4e3PZ pic.twitter.com/5sTfJlrQGH

— Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) April 8, 2026

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You can read over the initial terms of the deal here:

🚨 REPORT | Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the Islamic Republic’s top security decision-making body, announced that “negotiations will begin with complete distrust of the American side on Friday, April 10, in Islamabad,” with 2 weeks allocated for talks to finalize the… https://t.co/QExSWLTZU4

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) April 8, 2026

Pakistan and China

Pakistan helped broker the deal. A last minute push from China appears to have gotten it over the line:

Associated Press (AP) reported on 8 March:

China, which is Tehran’s biggest trade partner, spoke with the Iranians to get them on board, according to two officials who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Chinese officials were in touch with Iranian officials to encourage Tehran to find a path to a ceasefire deal as the negotiations were evolving, the officials said.

Adding:

Beijing primarily had been working with intermediaries, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, as it tried to use its influence, said one of the officials, who was not authorized to comment publicly on the diplomatic matter.

China’s foreign affairs spokesperson Mao Ning told AP:

All parties need to demonstrate sincerity and quickly end this war that should not have happened in the first place.

She said China was deeply worried:

about the impact the conflict has on the world economy and energy security.

Timing of ceasefire taking effect still unclear

Israel continues to attack Lebanon. In fact, strikes appeared to intensify:

Israeli strikes pummel various neighborhoods in Beirut, Bekaa and Jnoub simultaneously. pic.twitter.com/mdadHWTvsm

— courtneybonneauimages (@cbonneauimages) April 8, 2026

Many strikes were focused on the capital Beirut:

Chaos in Beirut as Israel carries out a wave of airstrikes across the country hitting what it said were more than 100 targets in ten minutes. pic.twitter.com/t0If72xogY

— Will Christou (@will_christou) April 8, 2026

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And Clash Report claimed strikes were still underway inside Iran:

Strikes hit an Iranian oil refinery on Lavan Island today.

Iran is now retaliating with strikes on targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE. pic.twitter.com/xOptoGRjbB

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 8, 2026

Open source accounts also said Lavan island, home to an oil refinery, had been hit. Neither the US or Israel commented:

Iranian state news outlets are blaming the U.S. and Israel for recent strikes on the oil refinery on Lavan Island. No word from the Israel Defense Force or CENTCOM at the time of writing pic.twitter.com/jBD3ekyMJI

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 8, 2026

As AP reported:

Neither Iran nor the United States has offered any time for the ceasefire to begin

But a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, said American forces had halted offensive operations.

And:

Iran continued to fire at Gulf Arab states and Israel, despite Pakistan saying the ceasefire had taken hold immediately.

Much remains unclear. No timeframe has been set of cessation of hostilities. Iran and the US are both claiming some form of victory. And Israel is still battering Lebanon despite cessation of Israeli attacks being a key point in the ceasefire plan. In the coming days the framework of the ceasefire may become clearer. But it is important to keep in mind that this is only a pause, not a long-term peace deal.

Featured image via the Canary

It wasn’t just any night for the Italian national team; it was a crucial match. The Azzurri entered it with the weight of history and the experience of their star players – most notably, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has a history of being the deciding factor in their most difficult moments.

All indications pointed to a penalty shootout, if it came to that, favoring the goalkeeper who had built his reputation on reading minds before feet.

But football, as is its wont, held up a small, unexpected detail – a detail that hadn’t been accounted for and wasn’t included in any statistical or tactical analysis.

A carefully placed piece of paper vanished in an instant, transformed from a helpful tool into a turning point, from a minor detail into a decisive factor that altered the course of a match… and perhaps even the entire history of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Donnarumma without his secret weapon

Donnarumma entered the penalty shootout relying on a tactical sheet of paper, containing a detailed analysis of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian penalty takers. It is a tool that has become an integral part of goalkeepers’ preparation in modern football.

But moments before the kick, the paper disappeared from its place under a towel, revealing one of the strangest incidents in a match of this magnitude.

A theft that changed the game

It later emerged that a 14-year-old ball boy, named Avan Čejmić, had picked up the paper and hidden it after realizing its nature and importance.

A seemingly simple act, but it undid one of the most crucial elements of mental and tactical preparation for a goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s calibre.

In televised remarks reported by AFP, the boy said:

I saw the paper next to the towel. I knew what it was immediately, so I took it and hid it. It contained all the instructions, and without it, Donnarumma relied solely on his intuition.

Confusion translates into a harsh exit

The absence of the paper wasn’t just a minor detail; it immediately impacted Donnarumma’s performance in goal.

The goalkeeper, accustomed to reading the direction of the shooters based on precise data, suddenly found himself facing impulsive decisions devoid of any guidance.

This confusion was evident in his movements. He appeared slow to react and hesitant in choosing his angle, losing the mental battle before the actual kicks were taken.

With each successful shot from the Bosnian players, the gap widened. Then the penalty shootout became a one-way street, ending with Italy’s elimination after a 1-1 draw and their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

Widespread controversy and an unexpected hero

The incident sparked a wide-ranging debate that extended beyond the match itself, raising questions about the line between intelligence and unfair play.

While some saw the ball boy’s actions as a clear violation of sportsmanship, others considered it part of the ‘wisdom of the game’ and a legitimate exploitation of the chaos inherent in football.

This division wasn’t limited to fans; it extended to the media, where questions were raised about the responsibility of the organizers and the limits of interference by those surrounding the match.

Meanwhile, the boy became an unexpected symbol in the Bosnian street. He was celebrated as a hero who contributed – albeit indirectly – to a historic achievement.

The Qatar government has issued the following alert to residents ordering them to stay indoors and away from windows because of a heightened state of threat that must be attributed to likely Iranian retaliation for anticipated or ongoing US-Israeli escalation:

The move from Qatar comes in spite of the apparent ceasefire between the US and Iran. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain also issued warning alerts to citizens as the region waits to see if the ceasefire will hold.

The US has already bombed Iran’s biggest aluminium works, releasing mass clouds of highly toxic vapours. The White House and western media have now (late 7 April 2026 US time) claimed that a ‘conditional ceasefire’ has been agreed, but Trump has made similar claims of a ceasefire being close before that Iran has rejected and mocked. If there is an agreement, it seems politicians across the Gulf do not yet believe it.

Little wonder, given both the US and Israel are involved, and their long track record of breaking ceasefires.

Featured image via the Canary