A no-nonsense French security guard flipped a pro-Palestine demonstrator clean over a metal barrier in front of stunned crowds at the Tour de France.
The activist, seen in footage wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan ‘Israel out of the Tour’ and waving a keffiyeh – a symbol of Palestinian solidarity – stormed onto the main track on Wednesday in a protest against Israel’s participation in the iconic cycling race.
Sprinting dangerously close to oncoming riders, the protester held his arms up as cyclists powering towards the finish line in Toulouse swerve past him at high speed.
But within seconds, a fast-acting security guard intercepted the man with a ferocious tackle – slamming him into a barrier and hauling him over it.
The shocking takedown, just 25 metres from the stage 11 finish line, drew gasps from onlookers as security scrambled to restrain the protester amid the chaos.
The guard could be seen grappling with the man on the ground, even launching his walkie-talkie at him while calling for back-up at the sporting event.
Startled biking fans then appear to stop the guard and push him back slightly.
Footage from the scene shows shocked spectators stepping in to calm the situation as the scuffle spilled into the packed crowd.
The activist, seen in footage wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan’ Israel out of the Tour’ and waving a keffiyeh stormed onto the main track on Wednesday in a protest against Israel’s participation in the iconic cycling race
Within seconds, a fast-acting security guard intercepted the man with a ferocious tackle
The shocking takedown, just 25 metres from the stage 11 finish line, drew gasps from onlookers as security scrambled to restrain the protester amid the chaos
The protest was aimed at the Israel Premier-Tech team, which is officially registered in Israel, although it features no Israeli riders in this year’s race.
Stage 11 of the tour stretched 15.8km around Toulouse, with Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen narrowly edging out Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid in the sprint finish – an athletic triumph briefly over-shadowed by the mid-race political stunt.
This is the latest in a string of demonstrations targeting Israeli participation in sporting events.
Just weeks ago, two individuals were arrested outside the World Indoor Bowling Championships in Aberdeen during a protest against Israeli athlete Boaz Markus.
Footage from the scene showed dozens of pro-Palestinian activists waving flags and chanting before being escorted away by police.
In February, Celtic fans unfurled an anti-Zionist banner during a Champions League match in Munich, reigniting concerns over repeated political messaging from sections of the club’s supporters.
While the Tour de France is no stranger to protests, the speed and force of Wednesday’s intervention left viewers reeling – with many praising the guard’s swift response in ensuring rider safety was not compromised.
The Tour continues through France’s most scenic and challenging terrain, with the final stage set to culminate on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 27.
Organisers have yet to comment on the protest or the security response.
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