Barcelona fans protest Israeli teams in Euroleague

Barcelona supporter groups issued a joint statement on the U.S.-based social media platform X regarding the Maccabi Tel Aviv match, which is set to be played behind closed doors, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

The statement said:

“Sport should be a space for peace, coexistence, and respect for human rights. It cannot be used to normalize or whitewash state crimes. The supporter groups at Palau Blaugrana reject the participation of teams representing Israel in the EuroLeague while genocide against the Palestinian people continues and their fundamental rights are violated.”

Emphasizing that life and human dignity are more important than any basketball game, the statement continued:

“The EuroLeague expelled Russian teams immediately after the invasion of Ukraine, yet applies a double standard when it comes to the Israeli state, prioritizing economic interests and political pressure over the values of sport. So-called solutions such as playing matches behind closed doors or at neutral venues are unacceptable. They distort competition, undermine equal conditions, violate supporters’ rights, and turn arenas into controlled spaces marked by censorship and unjust restrictions.

For all these reasons, the match on January 6 should not be played in any format. We state this clearly and unequivocally: teams representing the Israeli state must be banned from the EuroLeague. No to violence, no to war, no to genocide. Full support for the Palestinian people, their freedom, and peace. We call on the EuroLeague to act responsibly and suspend the participation of teams representing Israel until respect for human rights is ensured.”

In the 20th week of the EuroLeague, Barcelona and Maccabi Tel Aviv are scheduled to face each other on Tuesday, January 6, at Palau Blaugrana.