Spain PM defends Barcelona footballer against Israeli criticism

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has expressed his support for the teenage Barcelona football star who was accused of “inciting hatred” by the Israeli defence minister for waving a Palestinian flag at a victory rally.

In a post to X, Sanchez said he was “proud” of Lamine Yamal for showing “solidarity with Palestine felt by millions of Spaniards”. 

“Those who consider waving the flag of a State to be ‘inciting hatred’ have either lost their judgement or been blinded by their own ignominy,” he added.

Quienes consideran que ondear la bandera de un Estado es “incitar al odio”, o han perdido el juicio o han sido cegados por su propia ignominia.

Lamine solo ha expresado la solidaridad por Palestina que sentimos millones de españoles. Otro motivo más para estar orgullosos de él.

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 14, 2026