Thursday’s EuroLeague game between Real Madrid and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Spanish capital will be played behind closed doors because of security concerns, Real said Monday.
The Spanish club said the decision followed a police recommendation after authorities classified the match as high risk. Tickets purchased for the game will be refunded.
“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.
EuroLeague games involving Israeli teams Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv were held at neutral venues from October 2023 until last month because of protests linked to the war in Gaza.
Last season, a game between Paris and Maccabi Tel Aviv was disrupted by stink bombs. In November, Turkish club Fenerbahce moved its home games against the Israeli teams to Munich, citing security concerns.
A matchup between Dubai and Hapoel Tel Aviv was also played behind closed doors in November in Sarajevo for security reasons.
Real Madrid are 10th in the standings with 11 wins. Maccabi Tel Aviv are 14th with three fewer victories.