Spanish soccer fans were filmed trampling an Israeli flag and encouraging a passing driver to run over it during celebrations of the national team’s World Cup victory in Madrid.
The video, published on social media and viewed millions of times, shows several supporters standing on the flag before gesturing to a car approaching the scene.
The driver then appears to drive over the flag while smiling, drawing cheers from some of those nearby.
The incident came as more than a million people filled the streets of the Spanish capital Monday to welcome the national team following its World Cup triumph.
The players landed earlier in the day before joining the mass celebrations.
Anti-Israel sentiment has become increasingly prominent in Spain in recent years and has repeatedly surfaced in sporting contexts. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel during the war.
The flag incident was not the only controversy to emerge from the celebrations.
Spain star Lamine Yamal was also filmed holding up a sign aimed at Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, referring to an altercation following the World Cup final.
The sign called for a fight between Paredes and Spain midfielder Gavi, apparently referencing the clash in which the Argentine player confronted Gavi and Eric García before receiving a red card. The suspension is expected to apply to Argentina’s next international match.
Lamine Yamal takes a swipe at Paredes
(Photo: SPANISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION/Handout via REUTERS)
Yamal was previously involved in another controversy connected to Israel after he was filmed waving a Palestinian flag from Barcelona’s open-top bus during the club’s championship parade.
The footage quickly spread across social media, with many supporters praising the gesture while others condemned it as inappropriate.
Barcelona later distanced itself from the incident, saying it had not been planned by anyone connected to the club.
“The moment in question was not planned in advance by any party associated with FC Barcelona, but occurred spontaneously,” the club said.
“FC Barcelona remains fully committed to the values of respect, inclusion, diversity and dialogue. We fully understand that the images and videos caused discomfort or disappointment among members of the Israeli fan community and fully respect the sensitivity and feelings that such issues may evoke.”