A team of Palestinian footballers played a friendly match on Saturday against a selection of Basque players in Bilbao, drawing a crowd of around 50,000 amid strong political symbolism linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
San Mames Stadium — home to Athletic Bilbao — was nearly full, with organizers confirming tens of thousands of ticketed spectators. Supporters filled the stands waving Palestinian flags as well as flags representing Spain’s northern Basque Country. Thousands also marched with flags in the streets ahead of kickoff.
Spain has witnessed sustained demonstrations against Israel's military actions following the October 2023 Hamas attack. Bilbao previously hosted one of the earliest major protests in September, when activists targeted an Israeli-owned cycling team during the Spanish Vuelta.
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Saturday’s Basque lineup featured players from Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and other professional clubs. Members of Spain’s national team were not available due to a World Cup qualifying fixture.
The Palestinian squad is scheduled to play another friendly on Tuesday in Barcelona against a team representing Catalonia, Spain’s northeastern region.
Source: AP