Israels defence minister has criticised Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona winger waved a Palestinian flag during the clubs La Liga title celebrations.The 18-year-old was seen holding a large Palestinian flag while travelling on an open-top bus during Barcelonas victory parade through the city on Monday. Local authorities said around 750,000 supporters attended the celebrations after the club secured the league title the previous day.Yamal, who is Muslim, later posted images of himself holding the flag on Instagram.Table of ContentsIsraeli Minister Accuses Yamal of Inciting HatePolitical Tensions Continue to Spill Into SportYamal Set for World Cup With SpainIsraeli Minister Accuses Yamal of Inciting HateIsraels defence minister Israel Katz condemned the teenagers actions in a statement posted on X.Lamine Yamal chose to incite hate against Israel while our soldiers combat the terrorist organisation Hamas, an organisation that massacred, raped and burned Jewish children, women and the elderly on Oct. 7, 2023, Katz wrote.The comments come amid continuing global debate and protests surrounding the war in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and Israels subsequent military response.Political Tensions Continue to Spill Into SportSpains government and much of the countrys public opinion have been strongly critical of Israels military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths.The conflict has increasingly spilled into the sporting world, with demonstrations taking place across football, basketball and cycling events in recent years.During last years Vuelta a Espana, protests repeatedly disrupted racing because of the participation of an Israeli-backed cycling team.Spain is also among five countries boycotting this years Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in protest against Israels inclusion.Yamal Set for World Cup With SpainDespite the controversy, Yamal remains one of the key figures for both Barcelona and Spain national football team ahead of next months World Cup in North America.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has previously defended the wingers right to express himself, describing the flag gesture as Yamals personal decision. Topics FC Barcelona Israel National Football Team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Alaves 1-0 Barcelona: Newly-crowned champions stunned as they miss chance to reach 100 points Cian Cheesbrough 13th May, 2026 LIVE Alaves v Barcelona: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as champions head to Vitoria Jon Fisher 13th May, 2026 Alaves v Barcelona: Teams confirmed as Rashford keeps place after title heroics Tom Rostance 13th May, 2026 Barcelona chief Yuste fires back at Real Madrid: Florentinos words seemed pathetic and designed to cover up poor sports management Jon Fisher 13th May, 2026 Alaves v Barcelona: Preview and predicted line-ups as champions head to La Liga strugglers Jon Fisher 13th May, 2026 Hansi Flick addresses Lamine Yamal flag gesture: If he wants this, it is his decision 101 GreatGoals 12th May, 2026
