Madrid – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday called for Israel to participate in sporting events after pro-Palestinian activists undermine the final stage of Spain’s Vuelta cycling race in a chaotic scene. Madrid.
Speaking to members of the Socialist Party, Sanchez said that like Russia, Israel should not be allowed to participate in international sporting events because of its military movement in Gaza.
“Sports organizations should consider that it is moral for Israel to continue to compete in international competitions. Why should we fire Russia after Ukraine invasion instead of not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?” Sanchez said. “Neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition until the end of barbarism.”
Sánchez on Sunday’s second day of the final stage of Vuelta The Spanish capital. Authorities said the two were arrested, 22 were injured and did not take it seriously.
Spain’s left-wing government has already expressed sympathy with protesters and suggested that Israel’s premier tech team should withdraw its three-week match, a diplomatic battlefield.
The team took the name from the uniform, but continued until the game despite protesters calling for dismissal.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Sánchez on Sunday for saying it was encouragement to protesters. Madrid’s Conservative Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida also criticized Sánchez and described Sunday’s events as a sad day The Spanish capital.
Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard, who led the overall classification into the final stage, was declared the champion of Vuelta, but the customary podium ceremony was cancelled.
“Sadly, such eternal moments are ours,” Vingegaard said. “Everyone has the right to protest, but there is no way that affects or endangers our race.”
The teams reportedly held a private pulpit ceremony later so that riders could celebrate.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned protesters for “destroying” race and criticized Sanchez for “praising” the protests.
“Instead, I want to praise athletes and everyone who doesn’t harm others,” she wrote on Instagram.
Vuelta Competition Director Javier Guillén defended keeping Israel in the game on Monday.
“Vuelta’s position is clear and we have to comply with the International Cycling Union norms. It is UCI that regulates the right to compete,” Guillén said in a press conference. “We have never been to any other type of debate. All we have to do is be able to complete the race in normal condition, which is impossible.”
Vuelta was interrupted by protesters at several stages, some of which had to be shortened while others were interrupted.
Representative of the Central Government Madrid The district said an estimated 100,000 people were on the street during the protests. This number cannot be verified independently.
Jilin said the Vuelta protests could have an impact on future sports events for Israeli participants.
“After this Vuelta, international entities will need to make decisions and cycling will require some internal discussion to find a solution,” he said.
Next year’s Tour de France begins with the Barcelona stage.
“Hopefully everything will be resolved then,” he said. “I don’t want to guess any possibility. I’m sure Barcelona will have a great Tour de France.”
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AP Cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling
