Security measures and heightened political tensions overshadowed a recent UEFA Champions League fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as Spanish giants Real Madrid hosted French side Marseille. Authorities implemented a strict ban on Palestinian flags within the stadium premises, a decision that coincided with significant clashes between Spanish police and visiting Marseille supporters outside the venue.
The confrontation between Spanish law enforcement and French fans escalated in Madrid on September 16, just hours before the highly anticipated match. As supporters gathered to enter the iconic Bernabéu, tensions boiled over, leading to violent clashes. Police deployed riot control tactics, including the use of horses and batons, to disperse groups of Marseille fans reportedly attempting unauthorized entry into the stadium. Despite the unrest and a heavy police presence, approximately 3,000 French fans were eventually present in the stadium, witnessing Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Marseille.
Specifically, at the Bernabéu Stadium, spectators found carrying Palestinian flags were denied entry. This stringent policy followed widespread protests across the Spanish capital, where tens of thousands of Palestinians and their supporters had taken to the streets. These demonstrations, primarily aimed at opposing the Israeli government’s actions, had notably disrupted the Vuelta a España cycling race just the previous weekend.
The Palestinian protests, which involved an estimated 100,000 demonstrators, had specifically called for the exclusion of the ISRAEL Premier Tech cycling team from Grand Tour events. These demonstrations caused significant disruption to the three-week Vuelta cycling process, with reports of protesters obstructing roads and clashing with Spanish police, even forcing the race to pause midway through a stage. This local unrest aligns with a broader stance taken by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who on September 15 announced a suspension of participation for both Israeli and Russian entities in international competitions held on Spanish territory, citing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza until a peaceful resolution is achieved.
