Winter Olympics Thrown Into Chaos as Tear Gas Fired at Protesters

Police in Milan have fired tear gas at protesters outside a Winter Olympic Games venue.

On Friday night, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina got underway following a stunning opening ceremony inside the iconic San Siro Stadium.

Pop star Mariah Carey and Italian singer Andrea Bocelli were among the performers during the ceremony, with bobsleigh pilot Brad Hall and ice dancer Lilah Fear carrying Team GB's flag during the athlete parade.

However, not everybody was supportive of the opening ceremony, as boos could be heard inside the San Siro in response to four Israeli athletes entering as part of the parade and in response to the attendance of US Vice-President JD Vance.

But the protests haven't stopped there, as police in Milan have been forced to respond to protesters throwing firecrackers on Saturday night.

Following the audible protests during the opening ceremony, a peaceful march was carried out against the environmental impact of the Games on Saturday,

Shortly after, reports emerged that some protesters had taken things too far as they they were seen throwing firecrackers near an Olympic venue, forcing police to attend and fire tear gas and a water cannon into the crowds.

As reported by ABC News, the skirmish started after the earlier peaceful protest that included families with small children and students had dispersed.

The more violent group appeared to be trying to reach the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink.

According to Sky News, six people were detained during the skirmishes.

Earlier in the day, a group of masked protesters set off smoke bombs and firecrackers while standing on a bridge around half a mile from the Olympic Village where around 1,500 athletes are living.

Temporary metal fences were put in police to secure the road to the athletes’ village, but thankfully the protest moved on, accompanied by a heavy police presence.

Other protests in recent weeks have been in opposition to the arrival of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

In response to the protests, it was confirmed that only small number of agents from an investigative arm of the force would be present in U.S. diplomatic territory, and would not be seen on the streets of Milan.