SPANISH Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said he is ‘proud’ of Lamine Yamal after the teenage Barcelona star was criticised for waving a Palestine flag during a trophy parade.
The 18-year-old waved a Palestinian flag as the newly crowned La Liga champions paraded through the Catalan capital on an open top bus.
Yamal’s gesture drew a mixed response with Israel’s defence minister stating that the act ‘incites hate’.
Sanchez, however, backed the Barcelona wunderkind writing, “Anyone who thinks that flying a country’s flag amounts to ‘inciting hatred’ has either lost their mind or been blinded by shame.”
“Lamine has simply expressed the solidarity with Palestine that millions of Spaniards feel. Yet another reason to be proud of him,” he continued.
Although the move was criticised by Israeli officials and Israeli Barcelona fans ripped up their Yamal shirts in response, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, also praised the move.
He said: “A footballer is a role model for millions of people, and his opinion carries weight, so he should speak his mind when necessary.”
“Lamine’s stance is something he should be proud of,” Guardiola continued.
Yamal’s support for Palestine has also been recognised in the Gaza Strip, where artists have painted a mural of the teenage Lamine Yamal on the rubble.
Yamal, who is Muslim, has previously spoken up about Islamophobia and racism in football.
Last month, he spoke out after anti-Muslim chants were heard at Spain’s friendly against Egypt.
Spain supporters were heard chanting ‘if you’re not Muslim, jump’ during Spain’s clash with Egypt in Barcelona on Tuesday.
Yamal said the chants were ‘disrespectful and intolerable’ adding, ‘using religion to insult people shows ignorance and racism’.
Although Yamal’s decision to wave the Palestinian flag was slammed by Israeli officials, the teenager has the backing of Spain’s premier.
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