Ione Belarra, head of the Spanish opposition party Podemos, called for banning Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv team from entering the country. The team is due to face Real Madrid in a EuroLeague basketball match later today. In a letter sent to the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, Belarra said: “The Spanish people have clearly demanded a severing of all ties with the Zionists who have committed genocide against the Palestinian people.”
“Maccabi Tel Aviv and its fans are not allowed to enter Spain. We have informed the Government of this. We cannot allow the apology of genocide in our country.”
As per the Middle East Monitor, Belarra pointed out that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have caused a security problem in other countries by defending the genocide in Gaza.
In this context, Belarra called on Spanish fans to gather in front of the arena where the match will be held and protest.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, however, said Maccabi Tel Aviv team will not be banned from entering Madrid, adding: “Sports should be free from politics.”
In November, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans unleashed racist and violent attacks on civilians and private property during an away game in Amsterdam.
Offensive actions also consisted of the removal of Palestinian flags from buildings, attacking a Dutch-Moroccan taxi driver and even the interruption of the one-minute’s silence ahead of the game for the victims of the Valencia flood.
