Spanish PM wants Israel banned from international sports events after chaos at cycling race

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday reiterated his “deep admiration” for pro-Palestinian protesters who forced the abandonment of the Vuelta’s final stage. However, the head of Spain’s premier cycling race delivered a stern rebuke, calling the chaotic scenes “absolutely unacceptable”. FRANCE 24’s Emerald Maxwell reports.
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Should pro Palestinian demonstrators disruption of Lava command respect or condemnation? That’s the question dividing Spain after tens of thousands of protesters forced the final leg of one of the most important international cycling races to be cancelled on Sunday as they called out the Israel Premier Tech team’s involvement in the competition. Spain’s prime minister applauded the action and on Monday called out a double standard and whitewashing of Israel’s crimes. I think sports organizations need to ask themselves whether it’s ethical for Israel to continue to participate in international competitions. Why was Russia expelled after the invasion of Ukraine but Israel is not expelled after the invasion of Gaza? His position’s been criticized by Spanish conservative politicians and Israel’s foreign minister who accused Sanchez and his government of incitement, calling them a disgrace. The Israeli prime minister hailed Israel Premier Tech for refusing to quit Lava despite the protest which spanned much of the 3-week race. The team, which is a private outfit owned by Israeli billionaire businessman Silvin Adams, removed its name from its uniforms for the competition. The director of Lavoa repeatedly deflected questions about whether the team should have taken part, saying organizers simply followed international cycling union regulations. What happened is unacceptable, especially on the circuit. Just as we show respect for the right to protest, we want and we demand respect for the race. After the protest caused some crashes during Lavoa, doubts are now also being cast on whether next year’s tour to France will be able to start in Barcelona as planned. Spain has been one of the most outspoken European critics of Israel’s war in Gaza. It recognized the Palestinian state last year and last week announced measures including banning boats carrying fuel destined for the Israeli military from Spanish ports. The Spanish culture minister said Monday that Spain should also boycott next year’s Eurovvision Song Contest if Israel takes part.