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Spanish Clubs Close Arenas for Israeli Opponents as Pro-Palestinian Protests Intensify

Authorities classified the fixtures as high risk, leading teams to exclude fans on security grounds.

Overview

  • Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv was held behind closed doors after recommendations from the Government Delegation and security forces.
  • More than 500 National Police officers secured Valencia’s Roig Arena, with vans and a helicopter escorting the Hapoel delegation.
  • Around 1,000 protesters gathered outside the arena, tensions flared with police, and at least five arrests were reported.
  • Baxi Manresa and CB Canarias also played Israeli opponents without spectators; in Manresa, protesters tried to block access and arrivals were arranged in unmarked vehicles.
  • Clubs cited the Law of Sport and a high-risk designation by the Antiviolencia commission; Valencia dropped a season-ticket-holder plan and did not detail compensation for fans.