Clash erupts near Santagiulia ice hockey venue over environmental impact
Thousands march against Winter Olympics in Milan
February 7, 2026: On Saturday, an estimated 10,000 demonstrators marched through central Milan, Italy, on the first full day of the 2026 Winter Olympics, voicing opposition to the Games’ environmental, social and economic consequences. Organized by grassroots unions, housing-rights advocates and community activists, the protest was intended to highlight concerns about rising living costs, housing displacement and ecological damage tied to Olympic infrastructure projects in venues like Santagiulia, an Olympic ice hockey facility. Protesters carried symbolic cardboard trees to protest deforestation allegedly tied to Olympic construction.
Image Credit: LaPresse via AP
From peaceful march to violent fringe clashes
While most of the demonstration remained peaceful, a breakaway contingent of about 100 hooded activists began throwing firecrackers, smoke bombs, bottles and fireworks near a highway leading to the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink. Italian riot police responded with tear gas, water cannon and shields to disperse the more aggressive protesters and prevent them from reaching the Olympic village housing roughly 1,500 athletes. Six people were detained as clashes unfolded.
Image Credit: LaPresse via AP
Why the protest is tied to the Olympics
Critics argue that the Winter Games have exacerbated social inequality and environmental strain in the region. Milan has experienced a housing boom since the 2015 Expo, pushing rents higher and displacing long-time residents — trends opponents link to prestige projects like the Olympics. Environmental activists also claim that ski venues and sliding tracks in mountain towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo have required deforestation and costly construction, despite organizers’ claims of reusing existing facilities.
Image Credit: Giorgia Orlandi/Euronews
Broader political tensions add fuel
The protest also tapped into wider political debates. Some demonstrators opposed the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Milan to protect the American delegation, despite Italian officials insisting the ICE presence was limited to diplomatic areas. Plus, Sunday clashes occurred amid high-profile visits from U.S. Vice President JD Vance and other dignitaries, making the protests a backdrop to international attention on the Games.
Image Credit: Sky News
Final thoughts
Though the bulk of the march remained peaceful, the violent splinter clashes near the Santagiulia venue underscored how deeply the Olympic spectacle can collide with local concerns — from environmental sustainability to social justice and political frustration — transforming even celebratory moments into flashpoints of dissent.
FAQs
Q1: Why did protesters clash near the Winter Olympics venue?
They were part of a larger protest over the environmental, social and economic impact of the Games and their associated development in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Q2: Where did the violence occur?
Near the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink and adjacent highways in Milan.
Q3: What triggered police response?
A small group of protesters threw firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles at police, leading to the use of tear gas and water cannons.
Q4: Did the clashes disrupt Olympic events?
There was no indication that athlete transfers or official competitions were delayed.
Q5: Who was present politically during the protests?
U.S. Vice President JD Vance was in Milan with the American delegation, adding political heat to the environment.
