Protests Erupt in Valencia as Basketball Game Draws Demonstrations Over Conflict in Israel
Valencia, Spain – Clashes between protesters and police outside teh Roig Arena in Valencia resulted in multiple injuries and five arrests Tuesday evening, as demonstrations coinciding with a Euroleague basketball game escalated. Protests centered on the participation of Israeli team Hapoel Tel Aviv, with demonstrators voicing opposition to Israeli actions in the ongoing conflict with Palestine.
The exhibition, which drew approximately 2,000 people according to journalist E. Martin, began as a peaceful gathering at the arena entrances as the Hapoel team prepared to arrive. Protesters carried signs with slogans including “Throwing the ball out of bounds does not eliminate war crimes,” “Stop the Palestinian genocide,” and “Where are the sanctions against Israel?” The atmosphere shifted as darkness fell and a protester ignited a smoke device, triggering the first confrontation with law enforcement.
Police reported taking action after protesters began throwing chairs and fireworks. The ensuing clashes resulted in visible injuries, with blood spilled near the arena. Authorities confirmed at least five individuals were detained.
“As more people gather and it gets dark, the atmosphere in the protest changes,” Martin reported.
The protests ultimately subsided before 10 p.m. local time (11 p.m. Lithuanian time). The incident highlights the growing intersection of international sporting events and political activism amid heightened global tensions. The Euroleague game between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Valencia proceeded despite the unrest.
