Dramatic scenes unfolded during stage 11 of the Tour de France as a security guard tackled a pro-Palestinian protestor as they were seen running along the stage in front of stunned onlookers.
The protester sprinted down the track with his hands raised, wearing a shirt that read "Israel out of the Tour" whilst carrying a keffiyeh, the black-and-white checkered headdress that has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
Video footage captured the dramatic moment when the security guard brought down the demonstrator, thrusting him against a wall and pinning him to the ground in what witnesses described as a brutal takedown that left onlookers shocked.
The incident occurred mere metres from cyclists competing in the race, with the protester running alongside athletes speeding past them.
Reuters
|The protestor was running meters away from the athletes
His demonstration targeted Israel's Premier-Tech team, which is registered in Israel despite featuring no Israeli riders at this year's Tour de France.
The disruption took place during the 156.8-kilometre stage that ran through and around Toulouse in southern France.
Jonas Abrahamsen from Norway narrowly claimed victory over Switzerland's Mauro Schmid in the stage, though the finish was overshadowed by the security incident.
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The protester's actions appeared to be part of ongoing campaigns against Israeli participation in international sporting events, with activists increasingly targeting high-profile competitions to voice opposition to Israel's policies.
The security guard's intervention occurred just 25 metres from the finish line, with footage showing him throwing the protester to the ground like "a ragdoll" according to witnesses.
Reuters
|The protestor's shirt read 'Israel out of the tour'
The staff member appeared to throw his hands towards the demonstrator whilst attempting to keep him restrained, calling for assistance from other security personnel.
In the midst of the altercation, the guard launched his walkie-talkie at the protester on the floor as the jam-packed crowd watched.
Startled cycling fans intervened, appearing to push the security guard back slightly as he struggled to fully restrain the demonstrator.
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The extraordinary scenes unfolded as spectators who had been cheering for the cyclists suddenly turned their attention to the wild confrontation.
The Tour de France disruption follows a pattern of similar protests at sporting events targeting Israeli participation.
Earlier this year, two people were arrested during demonstrations at the World Indoor Bowling Championships in Aberdeen, where protesters gathered outside the venue calling for the exclusion of Israeli player Boaz Markus.
TikTok | The security guard was forced to push the protestor over the barricade
Police guarded Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Club as dozens of activists with Palestine flags assembled outside, with footage showing protesters shouting political slogans inside the venue before being escorted out.
In February, Celtic supporters unfurled an anti-Zionist banner during their Champions League match against Bayern Munich in Germany, despite a suspended ban for previous supporter indiscretions.
The banner displayed at Celtic Park during the home leg read: "Show Israel the Red Card."