Tbilisi’s Liberty Square swaps anti-government protests for fan parties, but factional divides remain

It is perhaps the feelgood story of Euro 2024. Georgia, the lowest ranked team in the contest and making their first appearance at a major football tournament, will face Spain in the round of 16 after defeating Cristiano Ronaldo’s fancied Portugal team 2-0 to qualify from their group.

The protesters who had filled Tbilisi’s Liberty Square over the last four months to voice their anger over the Georgian government’s alleged re-alignment with Moscow gave way to delirious football fans on Wednesday night.