Palestinian footballers faced a Basque Country selection at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao before approximately 50,000 spectators who displayed Palestinian and regional flags. The friendly match drew several thousand demonstrators carrying banners before kickoff, reflecting widespread Spanish opposition to Israeli military operations following the Hamas attack two years ago. The Basque squad featured athletes from Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad alongside other professional clubs, while Spanish national team members remained unavailable due to World Cup qualifying commitments.
Bilbao previously hosted major demonstrations against an Israeli-owned cycling team during the Vuelta race. The Palestinian team will next compete against Catalonian players in Barcelona.
Bilbao previously hosted major demonstrations against an Israeli-owned cycling team during the Vuelta race. The Palestinian team will next compete against Catalonian players in Barcelona.
