Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly defended Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal after Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz accused the Barcelona star of 'inciting hatred' for waving a Palestinian flag during the club's La Liga title victory parade on May 13, 2026. The incident occurred as Barcelona celebrated winning the 2025-2026 La Liga championship.
Sanchez, in a statement on May 14, 2026, said: 'Lamine Yamal is an example of integration and coexistence. Criticizing him for expressing his feelings is unjustified.' The prime minister emphasized that freedom of expression should be respected, especially for young athletes.
Israel Katz had posted on social media platform X on May 13, 2026, accusing Yamal of 'supporting terrorism' and calling on Spanish authorities to take action. Katz wrote: 'Waving a Palestinian flag is incitement to hatred and support for terrorism.' The Israeli ministry did not provide evidence for the claim.
Yamal, 18, who has Moroccan heritage through his father, has not publicly commented on the controversy. Barcelona FC also declined to comment. The incident has sparked debate in Spain about freedom of expression and the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
