Madrid protest calls for ban on Israeli clubs from European competitions

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the Spanish capital, Madrid, on Wednesday to demand that Israeli clubs be expelled from European competitions, similar to the ban imposed on Russian teams after the 2022 war in Ukraine.

The protest coincided with a basketball match between Real Madrid and Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv in the European league, adding momentum to the demonstrations around the venue.

Participants accused Israel of committing crimes against civilians in Palestine and Lebanon. They called on international sports bodies to take a clear stance by preventing Israeli clubs from competing, arguing that this would ensure equal standards in sport.

The match was held under exceptional conditions without spectators, with Spanish authorities enforcing tight security measures to prevent any unrest or protests inside the arena.

The demonstration forms part of a wider wave of protests across several European cities, where calls to boycott Israeli teams are growing. No official decisions have been taken so far, highlighting ongoing debate over the role of sport in political and humanitarian issues.

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