Real Madrid support for Tamimi irks Israeli regime

Palestinian teen has become symbol of resistance to Israeli occupation

Israeli regime officials criticised Real Madrid on Saturday after Ahed Tamimi, a teenager associated with Palestinian resistance to the Israeli occupation, was pictured being presented with a club shirt.

According to top Spanish sports daily Marca, she was offered a Real jersey and posed for photos with Emilio Butragueno, the club’s former striker and now director of institutional relations. However, Real Madrid has not issued any official statement regarding her invitation on its social networks or website. When contacted by AFP, the club declined to comment.

Emmanuel Nahshon, spokesman for the Israeli foreign minister, described the apparent welcome Real Madrid gave Tamimi as “shameful”.

Tamimi has become a figure of Palestinian resistance since spending eight months in prison for slapping two occupation soldiers. She was released in late July. The

17-year-old is visiting Spain this week with her family to participate in various social and political events.