In a quietly powerful gesture beyond sport, Spain’s national women’s handball team combined athletic dominance with a political statement during their European Championship qualifier against Israel.
A Match Beyond the Scoreline
During the European Championship qualification match, Spain’s women’s handball team secured a resounding victory over Israel, 38–22. But it wasn’t just the final tally that made headlines — it was how they chose to play.
Watermelon Symbols on Their Cleats
In a striking act of solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian people, the Spanish players affixed small watermelon-patterned stickers to their shoes — a symbol increasingly associated with support for Palestine’s human rights. This visual message accompanied their performance on the court, silently amplifying their stance.
Words from Paula Arcos
One of Spain’s standout players, Paula Arcos, addressed the gesture on social media. She remarked, “What happens off the court cannot be ignored. In solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian people, who are facing genocide that has destroyed 68,000 lives and razed their homes.”
Arcos, a talented left back born in 2001, currently plays for CS Gloria Bistrița and has been a regular on Spain’s national squad.
European Handball Union Confirms Result
The European Handball Federation confirmed Spain’s decisive win with a 38-22 scoreline. The match became a focal point of global attention—not merely for sporting reasons but for the message attached to it.
Sports and Political Protest: A Recurring Thread
This is not an isolated incident. Israeli teams competing in European tournaments have repeatedly encountered protests and objections regarding political and ethical controversies. In one related context, Aston Villa FC announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters would be barred from attending a Europa League match scheduled for November 6, citing public safety concerns over anticipated pro-Palestine demonstrations.
That decision came amid widespread protests during Israel’s World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy—mass demonstrations in Oslo and Udine framed by strong condemnation of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Spain’s women’s handball team turned a qualifying match into a stage for human rights expression. Their victory was decisive on the scoreboard — and their symbolism may echo far beyond the arena.
From: IQNA