Spain’s Jewish community condemns ‘murderers’ taunt against Israeli soccer star

The organization representing Spain’s Jewish community issued a sharply worded condemnation Thursday after fans hurled insults at Israeli soccer player Manor Solomon during a game.

The 26-year-old Israeli star endured the taunts as he scored the game-winning goal at the 86th minute on Tuesday to clinch his team’s 2-1 victory on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain called the insults “intolerable.”

Solomon, a member of Israel’s national soccer team, is currently on loan from Tottenham Hotspur to Spanish club Villarreal.

He has been vocal on social media in support of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, but since arriving in Villareal, he has worked to assure fans that he isn’t interested in talking about politics.

At Tuesday’s match against Sevilla FC, Villarreal put Solomon into the game near the end, in the 83rd minute. As Solomon entered, fans whistled and yelled from the stands, “Israelis are murderers.”

El hostil recibimiento de la afición del Sevilla FC a Manor Solomon, futbolista israelí del Villarreal, recibido con banderas de Palestina y cánticos contra Israel.@noticiasmira pic.twitter.com/DJziqeGMf6

— Daniel Saldaña (@Daniel_SM9) September 23, 2025

The taunts are believed to have been led by Biris Norte, a group of Sevilla’s ultra fans, who had said before the match that they would oppose Solomon’s appearance in Nervión, the neighborhood of Sevilla where matches take place.

“Tomorrow this defender of genocide visits our home, we are clear about it… In Nervión there is no space for Zionists! #FreePalestine,” the group posted on X.

Following the game, the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain condemned the “intolerable insults” during the game.

“Today more than ever, we stand with Manor, remembering that diversity enriches sport and makes it greater,” FJCE said in a statement. “Hate and discrimination have no place in sport or society; football must always be a space of respect, passion, and unity, regardless of nationality or beliefs.”

The incident was the latest in a string of anti-Israel protests at sporting events in Spain in recent weeks. Earlier in September, protesters disrupted the Vuelta a España cycling grand tour and cut its final stage short, in opposition to an Israeli team.

Also in September, Israeli chess players were told they would not be allowed to compete in a Spanish tournament under their national flag, leading all seven Israeli contestants to withdraw.

Spanish political figures have suggested that Israelis should be banned from sports competitions in the country in protest of the war in Gaza.

Solomon, from the central Israeli city of Kfar Saba, began his soccer career playing for Maccabi Petah Tikva in the Israeli league. He has represented the Israeli national team in international competition since he was 17 years old. He signed a five-year, $15 million deal with Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.