As authorities investigate the disturbing scene, Lamine Yamal comes out and slams Muslim chants heard during the Spain-Egypt clash in Barcelona
Ramin Yamal spoke out against the “ignorant and racist” chant he heard on Tuesday night.
Coach Lamine Yamal has condemned the “unbearable” chants by Spain fans during Tuesday night’s friendly against Egypt in Barcelona, which police are currently investigating on suspicion of Islamophobia and xenophobia.
Spain’s supporters in Yamal shouted, “Those who don’t jump are Muslims,” even though their own supporters in Yamal are Muslims themselves. The European champions were hosting Muslim-majority Egypt in a match that was due to be held in Qatar before the region was affected by the Iran war.
Jeers of the Egyptian national anthem rang out before the 0-0 draw, and authorities at the RCDE Stadium, home to La Liga side Espanyol, repeatedly called on fans over the PA system to stop making offensive comments. Anti-discrimination messages were also displayed on screens inside the stadium.
Yamal, 18, is widely regarded as Spain’s best player and has a huge international profile, but he has spoken out and made it clear that such chants have no place in football. The Barcelona forward posted on Instagram on Wednesday: “I’m a Muslim. Yesterday in the stadium I heard chants of ‘those who don’t jump are Muslims’.”
“I know I was playing on a rival team and it wasn’t anything personal about me, but as a Muslim it’s still disrespectful and intolerable. I understand that not all fans are like that, but to the people who sing these things, it’s ignorant and racist people who use religion as a mockery on the field.”
read more: Harry Maguire charged by FA over reaction to Manchester United’s red card against Bournemouthread more: Arne Slott deals another injury blow to Liverpool, with star substitute substituted after 13 minutes
“Football is meant to be enjoyed and encouraged, and not belittle people for who they are or what they believe. With that said, thank you to everyone who came out to support us. See you at the World Cup.”
Yamal’s club and national teammate Pedri also came out to cheer on his colleague. He said: “As players we are also shocked by the chants. We do not agree with any racist chants. We did not expect this. We all have to work together to prevent something like this from happening in our stadium.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was similarly disappointed by the scene, saying: “I find this xenophobic and racist attitude completely and absolutely disgusting. I can’t stand it.”
Spain fans’ actions have been widely condemned
As the match took place under FIFA’s jurisdiction, the governing body will wait for reports from those in attendance before deciding whether to take further action. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan didn’t seem too surprised, insisting he wouldn’t comment on anything he hadn’t heard, instead praising the atmosphere.
“The fans were great and there was an incredible atmosphere at the game,” he said. “Spain is a great team, as is Egypt. After all, we are all human beings and there is a God that we all believe in. I don’t comment on things I haven’t heard.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
