On Saturday, a protest in Milan, Italy, against the upcoming Winter Olympics turned violent when clashes erupted between demonstrators and police. The demonstration, organized by the 'Unsustainable Olympics Committee'—a coalition of student, anti-capitalist, and environmentalist organizations—drawn around 5,000 participants who voiced their concerns about the environmental and social implications of hosting the Olympics in the city. As the event reached its conclusion near Corvetto Square, tensions mounted as some protesters attempted to breach police lines, leading to chaos.

The police, equipped for riot control, responded with water cannons, tear gas, and batons to disperse the unruly crowd. This escalated further when some masked individuals in the crowd retaliated by throwing stones and setting off fireworks. The situation worsened as confrontations intensified, resulting in five arrests as law enforcement sought to regain control of the situation. Local news outlets reported that the police were forced to take preventive measures to restore order amid the violence.

The protest reflects a broader discontent within segments of the Milanese population regarding the Winter Olympics, highlighting concerns over the potential environmental degradation, economic implications, and social impact of hosting such an extravagant event. Critics argue that the money spent on the Olympics could be better allocated towards public services and addressing pressing social issues, indicating a rising wave of protest against the commercialization of major sporting events and calling for more sustainable practices in such initiatives.