Israel accuse Barcelona star Lamine Yamal of ‘fomenting hatred’ against Jewish people

Israel have accused Barcelona star Lamine Yamal of ‘fomenting hatred’ against Jewish people on social media, following his decision to raise the Palestinian flag. The 18-year-old did so on Monday during Barcelona’s open-top bus parade, as they celebrated a La Liga title won the day before.

The Spain international made headlines around the world after hoisting a large Palestinian flag from the top of the bus, but did not make any statements on the matter. During the same parade, Robert Lewandowski also waved the Estelada, the pro-independence Catalan flag.

Three days later, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has accused the Barcelona teenager of inciting and fomenting hatred against both Israel and Jewish people.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also questioned Lamine Yamal’s decision to wave the Palestine flag, noting that ‘normally, I don’t like these things’. Flick revealed that he had spoken to Lamine Yamal before he did it, explaining that he preferred the focus to be on the celebrations rather than any political statements, but acknowledged he was old enough to make his own choices.