Real Madrid to face Maccabi Tel Aviv in basketball match without fans, citing protests
Spanish team says game has been declared 'high risk' as hundreds of organizations call for anti-Israel rally outside Movistar Arena on Thursday
MADRID — Real Madrid on Monday announced it would play a EuroLeague basketball game against Maccabi Tel Aviv behind closed doors over security concerns, the latest disruption to Spanish sport due to objections to Israeli participation.
More than 250 organizations have demanded Thursday’s match at Madrid’s Movistar Arena be suspended over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, organizing a rally outside the venue on the day.
“Following a meeting of the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport, which declared the game high-risk, Real Madrid is complying with the recommendation made by the National Police,” the club said in a statement.
In the past year, protests against Israeli competitors over Gaza have rocked sporting events in Spain, where pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel sentiment is strong.
The most notable example was the Vuelta cycling grand tour, which canceled the finale in Madrid and shortened other stages as demonstrators repeatedly burst onto the course.
Other EuroLeague games have also been moved behind closed doors, including a match between Barcelona and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
Maccabi did not issue any statement about the arrangements.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.