Juanma Castaño Sparks Controversy Over Israel Protests During Vuelta a España

Juanma Castaño, a prominent journalist, is trending on X after making controversial remarks regarding recent protests against Israel during La Vuelta a España in Bilbao. His comments on El Partidazo de la Cope have drawn significant attention, making him the third most discussed topic in Spain this morning. On Wednesday, as La Vuelta cyclists passed through Bilbao, protests erupted against Israel, prompting the organizers to make a last-minute decision for the race. For safety reasons, the general classification times will now be recorded three kilometers from the finish line, and while mountain points and intermediate sprint points will still be awarded, there will be no stage winner. The aftermath of the protests led to extensive analysis on various Spanish radio programs. Castaño expressed his concerns on-air, questioning the future of the cycling event. He remarked, "What is going to happen to La Vuelta a España? We cannot be in this state every day. Is today going to be repeated? Will it happen again?" Compounding the issue, Castaño noted the presence of the Israel team still participating in the race, suggesting that some within the Vuelta itself believe it might be best for the team to withdraw. He warned that this could represent a victory for those using the platform of the cycling race to express political views. While he underscored the necessity of respecting various forms of protest, Castaño drew a hard line when it came to actions that compromise the safety and freedom of individuals uninvolved in the political conflict—specifically, the cyclists. He stated, "People who disagree with these protests do not mean that we do not condemn and lament everything that is happening in Gaza," recognizing the complexity of the situation. However, it was his controversial statement regarding protestors that has stirred significant outrage. Castaño claimed, "Among the people so affected today, I am convinced that there were some who until two days ago were celebrating the murder of civil guards, counselors, police officers, or military personnel. Some of those carrying Palestinian flags were surely celebrating the deaths of innocent people not long ago." His comments have sparked backlash and surprised many listeners, highlighting the tension surrounding political statements made in the context of sporting events. The unfolding situation continues to raise important questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and public safety, as La Vuelta a España navigates its way through these turbulent discussions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2