Football under fire. Iraqi league match interrupted by missiles flying over stadium

The 22nd round match of the Iraqi Stars League between local side Erbil and Al-Minaa was urgently halted due to an immediate threat to the lives of players and spectators.

Details: Right in the middle of the game, rocket trajectories cut through the sky above the Franso Hariri Stadium, heading toward the city. The incident occurred amid a sudden escalation in the region: Erbil became the target of a massive missile barrage.

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Fans in the stands and viewers at home witnessed shocking scenes as missiles streaked over the pitch and air defense systems lit up the sky. Following safety protocols, the refereeing team immediately led both squads off the field and into the stadium’s inner corridors.

Once the barrage subsided and the skies were declared clear, organizers made the unprecedented decision to resume the match. The teams returned to the pitch and completed the game.

Reminder: The start of a match involving one of the Ukrainian Premier League leaders was postponed due to an air raid alert.