Controversy erupted following Barca's open-top bus parade on 12/5, as they celebrated their second consecutive La Liga title. During interactions with fans on the streets of Barcelona, Yamal appeared holding a Palestinian flag.
The image of the 18-year-old player quickly spread across social media, drawing fierce backlash from Israeli officials. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, accused Yamal of inciting hatred against the country.
"I hope a big and respected club like Barca will distance itself from such statements, and clearly affirm that there is no place for incitement or support for terrorism," Katz wrote on X in Spanish.
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Lamine Yamal holds a Palestinian flag while parading with his Barca teammates to celebrate the La Liga championship on an open-top bus in Barcelona, Spain on 11/5. *AP*
Responding to the criticism directed at Yamal, Prime Minister Sanchez immediately defended the Spanish international. The 54-year-old leader stated that holding a country's flag cannot be considered a hostile act. "Those who believe that waving a country's flag is inciting hatred have lost their minds, or are blinded by their own disgrace," Sanchez wrote on X.
He also affirmed that Yamal was merely expressing solidarity with Palestine, a sentiment shared by many Spanish citizens. "Yamal is only expressing the solidarity with Palestine that millions of Spaniards feel. One more reason to be proud of him," the Spanish Prime Minister added.
Yamal is a new symbol of Spanish football. The forward, born in 2007, played a significant role in helping Barca secure this season's La Liga title and continues to hold an important position in the Spanish national team after their Euro 2024 victory.
Yamal's support for Palestine is not entirely new. According to AFP, artists in a Gaza refugee camp painted a mural depicting the Barca player holding a Palestinian flag amidst post-war rubble.
However, Yamal's action places Barca in a sensitive situation, as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to cause strong divisions globally. The nearly three-year war in Gaza began after Hamas's attack on Israel on 7/10/2023.
Spain has maintained a critical stance on Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Sanchez has repeatedly described the conflict as "genocide," leading to continuous diplomatic tensions between Madrid and Tel Aviv.
In 2024, Spain officially recognized the State of Palestine, a move that prompted Israel to recall its ambassador. By 3/2026, Madrid further withdrew its ambassador from Tel Aviv.
Barca coach Hansi Flick adopted a cautious approach when asked for his opinion on the incident. The German coach admitted he "did not like" Yamal's action but respected his player's right to personal choice. "If he wants to do it, that's his decision," Flick added.
Hoang An (according to AFP)
