THIS is the dramatic moment a brave security guard takes down a brazen anti-Israel protester at the Tour de France – in front of a crowd of shocked spectators.
The demonstrator was running down the main track protesting against Israel’s participation in the event – before the guard brutally tackled him down to the ground.
In the shocking footage, the unruly pro-Palestine protester is seen sprinting down the bicycle course with his hands in the air.
He is seen running mere metres away from several athletes speeding down the track at the same time as him.
But seconds later, the rebellious man is suddenly tackled, thrust against the wall and dramatically hauled over like a ragdoll.
Cheering spectators suddenly turn their attention to the wild altercation as the guard desperately attempts to fully restrain him.
The staff member seemingly throws his hands towards the rogue protester while trying to keep him on the ground to put an end to his disruptive behaviour.
He calls for help from other security staff before launching his walkie-talkie at the protester on the floor in the middle of the jam-packed crowd.
Startled biking fans then appear to stop the guard and push him back slightly.
The extraordinary scenes unfolded just 25 metres from the finish line at the race on Wednesday.
Jonas Abrahamsen from Norway narrowly beat out Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid in the 11th stage of the three-week race.
The brazen protester was wearing a shirt that read: “Israel out of the Tour.”
He also held a keffiyeh, a black-and-white checkered headdress and pro-Palestine symbol.
The stunt was directed at Israel’s Premier-Tech team, which is registered in Israel – despite not featuring any Israeli bikers at this year’s event.
Stage 11 of the Tour de France stretched 156.8 kilometers and took place in and around Toulouse in southern France.
The iconic event has 21 stages – with the race ending at the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 27.
It comes after two people were arrested at a protest against an Israeli athlete at the World Indoor Bowling Championships.
Protesters gathered outside the event venue in Aberdeen after calling on World Bowls to exclude player Boaz Markus.
Footage showed police guarding the Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Club after dozens of activists with Palestine flags had gathered outside.
A clip shared by political groups also showed activists shouting political slogans inside the venue before they were escorted outside.
And in February, Celtic fans unfurled an anti-Zionist banner during the club’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
The Premiership outfit travelled to Germany with a suspended ban hanging over their head due to previous supporter indiscretions.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14757395/pro-palestine-protester-tackled-tour-de-france/
