Anti-Israel protests force Spanish basketball teams to ban fans as security fears mount

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Two professional basketball games in Spain against an Israeli team this week are set to be played without fans, having been deemed "high-risk" due to security concerns amid anti-Israel protests.

Real Madrid C.F. said in a statement that its EuroLeague game against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday "will be played behind closed doors," and the team is "complying with the recommendation made by the National Police."

Real Madrid said that it met with the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport regarding the contest, and tickets will be refunded (season ticket holders will have their refunds credited toward their renewal next season).

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Maccabi's Cuban forward Jasiel Rivero dribbles downcourt challenged by Barcelona's Czech guard Tomas Satoransky (L) during the Euroleague basketball match between FC Barcelona and Maccabi Tel-Aviv at the Palau Blaugrana arena in Barcelona on Feb. 5, 2025. (Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)

Maccabi Tel Aviv will be playing Barcelona on Tuesday without a crowd as well, with Barcelona also citing the game as "high-risk." That announcement was made last month.

Reuters noted that Israeli teams in the league were playing home games at neutral sites from October 2023 until last month due to protests over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Maccabi Tel Aviv is on the road in Spain for both contests. Maccabi Tel Aviv returned home in December after playing home games earlier in the season in Serbia.

According to the Times of Israel, more than 250 organizations have "demanded" Thursday's game be suspended.

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans celebrate