Rayo Vallecano winger Ilias Akhomach has shed light on his decision to display the Palestine flag during the team’s Conference League semi-final first-leg victory over Strasbourg last month. The player, on loan from Villarreal, retrieved a Palestinian flag from the crowd and raised it aloft during the celebrations before placing it on the ground in front of the players.
Akhomach’s act gained significant traction online. This incident followed a similar display by Lamine Yamal of Barcelona during their La Liga title celebrations. While parading the trophy through the streets of Barcelona on an open-top bus, Yamal unfurled a large Palestinian flag. Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, later voiced his disapproval of Yamal’s decision, though he acknowledged they had discussed it beforehand.
Ilias Akhomach: “It’s Insanity What’s Going On”
Speaking ahead of Rayo’s Conference League final against Crystal Palace, Akhomach elaborated on his motivations.
“I felt it was the right thing to do. Everyone acts according to their own conscience. Given everything happening in Palestine, I believe it’s a scandal, a global insanity that many choose not to see or are indifferent to. I don’t involve myself in politics, but it’s something I witness, something I feel I must stand up for.”
Rayo Sweating on Akhomach’s Fitness for the Final
The 22-year-old has been a vital player in Rayo’s journey to their first-ever European final. However, he is currently in a race against time to recover for the match in Leipzig. He was absent for the second leg of the semi-final and the final four league games of the season. Despite not having played since the first leg of the semi-final, Akhomach is anticipated to be available for selection on the bench for Iñigo Pérez’s squad.
