Catalan associations Call for Cancellation of Barcelona-Maccabi Tel aviv Euroleague Game
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Over 150 Catalan associations, backed by political parties including ERC, the Comuns, and the CUP, are demanding the cancellation of the Barcelona-Maccabi Tel Aviv Euroleague game scheduled for December 6th at 8:30 p.m. at the Palau. https://www.naiz.eus/en/news/politics/2023/12/01/catalan-associations-call-for-cancellation-of-barcelona-maccabi-tel-aviv-euroleague-game
These groups, including ‘LaFede.cat’,the ‘Syndicate of Lloggaters’,’SOS Racism Catalonia’,and unions CCOO and UGT,along with some Barça clubs,have published a manifesto arguing that holding the game would “normalize the genocide against the palestinian people” and asserting that “sport cannot be neutral in contexts like this.” The protest stems from the return of the Israeli team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, to playing home games in Israel on december 1st, after a period of exile in serbia.
Calls for More Then Closed Doors
The associations deem playing the game behind closed doors – a previously suggested compromise – insufficient and are calling for complete cancellation. They object to the arrival of the Israeli team amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Previous Protests and Outcomes
Similar protests occurred in October concerning Euroleague games involving other Israeli teams. Associations pressured Baxi Manresa (against Hapoel Jerusalem), Valencia Basket (against Hapoel Tel-Aviv), and The Tenerife Lagoon (against Bnei Herzliya). https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1451991/catalan-associations-demand-cancellation-of-barcelona-maccabi-tel-aviv-euroleague-game/ Despite these efforts, those matches ultimately proceeded, albeit without spectators.
Likelihood of Cancellation
As of December 1, 2023, cancellation appears unlikely. The precedent set in october suggests Euroleague is inclined to allow the game to proceed, possibly behind closed doors.
Summary: A broad coalition of Catalan organizations is protesting the scheduled Euroleague game between Barcelona and Maccabi Tel Aviv, citing ethical concerns related to the ongoing conflict in Palestine. While previous protests against Israeli teams playing in Europe have not resulted in cancellations, the groups remain steadfast in their demand. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the game date approaches.