Israel Katz publicly criticized Lamine Yamal on Monday after the FC Barcelona star waved a Palestinian flag during the club’s La Liga title celebrations, accusing him of “inciting against Israel” and calling on Barcelona to distance itself from the gesture.
Images shared on social media showed Yamal carrying the Palestinian flag during celebrations following Barcelona’s league title win. The 18 year old later reposted images linked to the moment online.
In a message published on X, Katz accused Yamal of “inciting against Israel” and “fomenting hatred” while Israeli forces continue military operations against Hamas in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attacks.
“As the Minister of Defense of the State of Israel, I will not remain silent,” Katz wrote, urging Barcelona to “make it unequivocally clear that there is no place for incitement or support of terrorism.”
Neither Yamal nor Barcelona immediately responded publicly to the comments.
The exchange adds to growing political pressure surrounding athletes and public figures who publicly express support for Palestinians during the Gaza war, particularly in European football, where pro Palestine gestures have increasingly drawn reactions from Israeli officials and advocacy groups.
Yamal, one of Barcelona’s most prominent young players and a key figure for the Spain national football team, has become one of the most recognizable faces in European football, giving his public appearances and social media activity a reach far beyond sport.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.