News Focus
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez supports FC Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal after criticism from Israeli officials.
- The 18-year-old showed a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga victory parade on an open-top bus.
- Israel’s Defence Minister accused Yamal of encouraging hatred towards Jewish people.
- Sánchez says waving a flag shows solidarity, not hate, and reflects Spanish public opinion.
- Barcelona has not commented on the incident, though Palestinian artists have celebrated Yamal’s gesture.
Spanish leader Pedro Sánchez has defended FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal against serious accusations. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, claimed the young footballer promoted hatred towards Jewish communities. This followed Yamal’s actions during Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations.
The 18-year-old winger waved a Palestinian flag from the team bus. The vehicle travelled through Barcelona’s streets as players celebrated their league victory. Katz stated this action supported terrorist organisations and incited hatred. He also urged Barcelona to condemn the player.
Sánchez responded on social media platform X. He wrote that anyone who thinks waving a state flag incites hatred has “lost their judgment.” The Prime Minister explained that Yamal expressed solidarity with Palestine. He added that millions of Spaniards share this view.
The Spanish government has previously criticised Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Sánchez has accused Israeli forces of violating human rights during the conflict.
Meanwhile, Palestinian communities have praised Yamal. Local artists painted murals of the Barcelona player holding the flag. One video shows an artist creating this work on a concrete block.
FC Barcelona has remained silent on the matter. The club has not distanced itself from Yamal’s actions. During the same parade, supporters also noticed pro-Catalan independence flags on the bus.