Organizers of the ongoing Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina announced the dismissal of an employee who expressed support for Palestine during a verbal altercation with Israeli spectators at an Olympic store. This incident occurred when the employee repeatedly shouted 'Free Palestine' as a group of Israeli sports fans entered the store, leading to a confrontation.

The organizers acknowledged the incident and stated that it was inappropriate for Olympic staff or contractors to express personal political opinions while performing their duties or directing such comments at visitors. This incident has sparked discussions about the intersection of sports and political expression, particularly in environments such as the Olympics where a spirit of harmony and neutrality is promoted.

Footage of the confrontation, which has circulated on social media and Italian news outlets, shows tension escalating as the employee continued to chant despite the presence of Israeli fans, one of whom was seen leaving the store with an Israeli flag bag. The situation raises questions about the boundaries of political expression within sporting events and the responsibilities of employees in maintaining an impartial atmosphere during such global competitions.