Spain‘s Lamine Yamal was left deeply affected by anti-Muslim chants during his country’s goalless draw with Egypt in Barcelona on Tuesday, with local police launching an investigation into the incidents which marred the match.
Fans sang anti-Muslim songs during the first half of La Roja’s friendly at RCDE Stadium against Egypt, a predominantly Muslim nation with Islam as the official state religion.
The chants were not directed at Yamal — a practicing Muslim who observed Ramadan last month — but nonetheless had an indirect impact on the Barcelona teenager.
“It’s normal that he’s affected by what happened,” Berni Álvarez, the minister for sports in Catalonia, told reporters on Wednesday.
“We will try and support him if we can make contact with him.
“What happened was deplorable. It’s an extremely serious issue which we absolutely condemn. It’s a massive step backwards.
“The sensation is everything had been planned. Those chanting came to the game to spout hate speech. I doubt many of those involved had any connection to the world of sport.”
– Fans warned about anti-Muslim chants during Spain-Egypt match
Yamal was born in Barcelona. His father is from Morocco and his mother is from Equatorial Guinea, but he has represented Spain from an early age, despite strong interest from Morocco.
At 18, he is already one of the stars of the Spain team, helping them win UEFA Euro 2024, and is set to play an important role at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Police to investigate chants in Spain match
Meanwhile, the Mossos, a strand of local police in Barcelona, confirmed Wednesday they were investigating “Islamophobic and xenophobic chants” which took place during the Spain-Egypt game.
A source told ESPN that FIFA will also analyse the various reports from the game, with Spain facing potential sanctions from world football’s governing body.
As is standard procedure in these cases, FIFA will review reports from the referee, the match inspector, the on-site security team and inspect video evidence before deciding what action, if any, is necessary.
Álvarez also demanded action be taken against those involved in the chants, criticising the lack of reaction at the time from the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] and the Catalan Football Federation [FCF], who had organised the match.
“The reaction arrived late and was not sufficient,” he added. “We were not involved at all in the organisation of the game, but we told the RFEF and the FCF at half time to either activate the necessary protocols or we would leave the stadium.
“It should have been applied after the very first chant and, when it continued, the game should have been stopped. You have to be strong against these issues.
“We have demanded a report about what can be done and what decisions will be taken now. We’re going to demand forceful action. There will be a way to identify those who started the chants.”
There had been loud whistling during Egypt’s national anthem before the game, with fans later chanting “Musulmán el que no bote” — which roughly translates to “If you’re not jumping, you’re a Muslim” — before whistling again when some Egyptian players kneeled and kissed the ground at halftime.
A message was displayed on the screen at halftime — which was also read out by the stadium announcer — ordering supporters to desist from xenophobic remarks and singing.
The message was then repeated early in the second half, with some sections of the crowd whistling at the request.
Espanyol condemn ‘racist behaviour’ but unhappy at ‘smear campaign’
A statement from Espanyol read: “RCD Espanyol strongly condemn the racist behaviour that occurred during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt organised by the RFEF, played on Tuesday night at the RCDE Stadium. Such actions are reprehensible and unacceptable, do not represent the values of sport, and must be firmly condemned and eradicated from all sporting venues.
“The RCDE Stadium has been, is, and will continue to be a modern, inclusive, and welcoming venue. This is evidenced by its nearly 17-year history, during which it has hosted international matches with national teams from every continent, amidst an atmosphere of respect, coexistence, and celebration of football.
“RCD Espanyol also wish to express our deep displeasure at the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has been targeted against our fans in the past few hours. It is worth remembering that the match, organised by the RFEF, brought together supporters of the Spain national team from very diverse geographical and footballing backgrounds. Therefore, it is profoundly unfair, excessive, and disproportionate to attribute these behaviours to the RCDE Espanyol fanbase, which, throughout its more than 125-year history, has been characterised by its diversity, respect, and commitment to the values of sport.
“The club do not and will not accept having their reputation called into question by the isolated actions of a small group of people who represent neither the club nor our fanbase.
“RCD Espanyol emphasise our firm commitment to the fight against all forms of discrimination, and will continue working to ensure that the RCDE Stadium remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful place for everyone.”
