Football fans in Bilbao march in support as Palestine plays first European match

Thousands marched in support of Palestine in the Spanish city of Bilbao as Palestinian footballers played their first European match against the Basque Country team.

The Basque Country team beat the Palestine team 3-0 in the friendly match, which was marked by shows of solidarity between both teams.

Palestinians and the Basque have long shared political sympathies, with both involved in nationalist struggles for independence.

The two teams celebrated side by side, arms around each other, on the San Mames pitch in front of more than 50,000 spectators.

"It's difficult to coach when your mother lives in a makeshift tent. I come from Gaza," Palestinian coach Ehab Abu Jazar told AFP.

"We lost nearly 200 people in my family. My house was destroyed - but representing Palestine is the greatest honour there is."

Read more: Football fans in Bilbao march in support as Palestine plays first European match