Spain’s PM criticised after Vuelta a España race abandoned over pro-Palestinian protests

Pedro Sánchez accused of causing global ‘embarrassment’ after protests against Israel-Premier Tech team swamp finish line

The premature and chaotic end of the Vuelta a España cycle race has triggered a bitter political row in Spain, with opposition politicians accusing the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, of causing the country “international embarrassment” by encouraging pro-Palestinian demonstrators to disrupt the event.

The race’s final stage was abandoned after groups protesting against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team swamped the finish line area and presentation podium in central Madrid on Sunday night.