US EditionSpanish minister calls for Israel to be banned from sport
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez equated Israel's actions in Gaza to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, urging international sports bodies to ban Israel until the conflict ends.
- Following disruptions caused by pro-Palestinian protesters during the final stage of the Vuelta cycling race in Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged that Israel be prohibited from participating in sporting competitions.
- The disruption was linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251.
- An estimated 100,000 protesters gathered in Madrid, throwing barriers and clashing with police, causing the Vuelta finale to be cut short and the customary podium ceremony to be canceled.
- The UCI expressed total disapproval and concern about the events, urging sports organizations to consider the ethics of Israel's participation, while Israel’s foreign minister called Sánchez an antisemite and a liar.
- These events have intensified tensions between Spain and Israel and raised questions about Israeli teams’ future in international sports amid growing European criticism of Gaza’s civilian casualties.
135 Articles
135 Articles
Spain's head of government believes that Israel, like Russia, should not be allowed to participate in sporting events. He pays tribute to the demonstrators who stormed the La Vuelta cycling race.
The Spanish president questions the international permissiveness with Israel, comparing it with the sanctions imposed on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
Gaza invasion: Spain's prime minister calls for ban on Israeli athletes
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for Israeli athletes to be banned from international sports competitions after protestors disrupted the 21st and final leg of the Vuelta Espana cycling race Sunday.
To offend pro-Palestinian demonstrations that shook the Tour d'Espagne 2025 is tantamount to trying to confine the athletes in a bubble watertight to the rest of the world. Especially as the history abounds in telescoping between sport and politics.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
