Bend It Like Club Palestino

Santiago de Chile

On 3 December, the Top division team, Club Palestino, competed against Fernández Vial of Concepción in the final football game of the season. The match was dedicated to the Palestine refugees and Club Palestino generously offered 40 percent of ticket sales to UNRWA.

The crowd enthusiastically cheered UNRWA's Commissioner-General when the stadium loudspeakers announced that she was in the stands.

In total, approximately 4,000 fans attended the game, which was lively and sometimes difficult for the "Palestinian" team. Their supporters sported decidedly Palestinian colours and flags and chanted their way through the game.

While the visitors were better at constructing their offence, Club Palestino created the best scoring chances, with an early shot bouncing off the post, just falling short of putting them ahead. One shot even found the net, but was disallowed by the referee.

The Palestino fans pushed their team to score. Comic relief was provided by a fan's dog running into the pitch, but this did not stop play until a free kick was awarded and the referee carried the friendly but somewhat confused canine off the field.

The ultimate result was a 1-0 victory to Club Palestino.