‘Another reason to be proud of him’ – Lamine Yamal defended by Spain’s Prime Minster after Barcelona star criticised for waving Palestine flag
A strong statement has been issued.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 ''El Clasico'' match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on May, 2026. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended Lamine Yamal following criticism of the Barcelona star for waving a Palestinian flag during the team’s title celebrations earlier this week . Yamal was spotted waving the flag as the team made their way through the city and also posted pictures on Instagram afterwards.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz criticised the teenager for his gesture in a post on X that read: “Lamine Yamal chose to incite hate against Israel while our soldiers combat the terrorist organisation Hamas, an organisation that massacred, raped and burned Jewish children, women and the elderly on Oct. 7, [2023]. ” Sanchez has now had his say and has made his thoughts on the situation clear.
“Those who consider waving the flag of a State to be “inciting hatred” have either lost their judgment or been blinded by their own ignominy,” he posted on X. “Lamine has only expressed the solidarity with Palestine felt by millions of Spaniards. Another reason to be proud of him.
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