Lamine Yamal of Spain was significantly impacted by anti-Muslim chants during his nation’s goalless draw against Egypt in Barcelona on Tuesday, prompting local authorities to initiate an investigation into the incidents that overshadowed the match.
During the first half of La Roja’s friendly at RCDE Stadium against Egypt, a nation where Islam is the official state religion, fans engaged in singing anti-Muslim songs.
Although the chants were not aimed at Yamalβa practicing Muslim who observed Ramadan last monthβthey still had an indirect effect on the young Barcelona player.
“It’s understandable that he’s affected by what transpired,” Berni Γlvarez, the sports minister in Catalonia, stated to reporters on Wednesday.
“We will attempt to provide support if we can reach him.
“What occurred was unacceptable. It is a very serious matter that we unequivocally condemn. It represents a significant regression.
“The impression is that everything was premeditated. Those who were chanting came to the match to express hate speech. I doubt many of those involved had any ties to the sporting community.”
– Fans cautioned regarding anti-Muslim chants during Spain-Egypt match
Yamal was born in Barcelona. His father hails from Morocco, while his mother is from Equatorial Guinea, yet he has represented Spain from a young age, despite considerable interest from Morocco.
At just 18, he has already emerged as one of the prominent figures in the Spain team, contributing to their UEFA Euro 2024 victory, and is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Police to investigate chants in Spain match
In the meantime, the Mossos, a branch of local police in Barcelona, confirmed on Wednesday that they are looking into “Islamophobic and xenophobic chants” that occurred during the Spain-Egypt match.
A source informed ESPN that FIFA will also review the various reports from the match, with Spain potentially facing repercussions from the global football governing body.
As per standard protocol in such situations, FIFA will assess reports from the referee, the match inspector, the on-site security personnel, and review video evidence before determining what actions, if any, are warranted.
Γlvarez also called for measures to be taken against those responsible for the chants, criticizing the delayed response from the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] and the Catalan Football Federation [FCF], who organized the match.
“The response was tardy and inadequate,” he remarked. “We were not involved in the organization of the game, but we informed the RFEF and the FCF at halftime to either implement the necessary protocols or we would exit the stadium.
“It should have been enforced after the very first chant, and when it persisted, the match should have been halted. There must be a strong stance against these matters.
“We have requested a report regarding what actions can be taken and what decisions will be made moving forward. We will demand decisive action. There will be a means to identify those who initiated the chants.”
Prior to the game, there was loud whistling during Egypt’s national anthem, and fans later chanted “MusulmΓ‘n el que no bote,” which translates roughly to “If you’re not jumping, you’re a Muslim,” followed by whistling when some Egyptian players knelt and kissed the ground at halftime.
A message was displayed on the screen at halftimeβalso announced by the stadium announcerβurging supporters to refrain from xenophobic remarks and singing.
This message was reiterated early in the second half, with some sections of the crowd responding with whistles.
Espanyol condemn ‘racist behaviour’ but unhappy at ‘smear campaign’
A statement from Espanyol read: “RCD Espanyol strongly condemns the racist behaviour that occurred during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt organized by the RFEF, held on Tuesday night at the RCDE Stadium. Such actions are reprehensible and unacceptable, do not reflect 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 wishes to express our deep displeasure at the unfounded and widespread smear campaign that has been directed against our fans in recent hours. It is important to remember that the match, organized by the RFEF, brought together supporters of the Spain national team from a wide range of 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 characterized by its diversity, respect, and commitment to the values of sport.
“The club does not and will not accept having its reputation questioned by the isolated actions of a small group of individuals who do not represent either the club or our fanbase.
“RCD Espanyol emphasizes our firm commitment to combating all forms of discrimination and will continue to work to ensure that the RCDE Stadium remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.”
