Lamine Yamal has condemned the “unbearable” chants by Spain supporters during Tuesday night’s friendly against Egypt in Barcelona, which police are now investigating for potential Islamophobia and xenophobia. Spanish fans shouted, “He who doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” even though one of their own, Yamal, is himself a Muslim.
The European champions were hosting Muslim-majority Egypt in a match that was expected to be held in Qatar before the region was affected by the Iran war.
The singing of the Egyptian national anthem before the 0-0 draw was met with jeers, and officials at the RCDE Stadium, home to La Liga side Espanyol, repeatedly called on supporters over the PA system to stop making offensive comments. Anti-discrimination messages were also displayed on screens inside the ground.
Yamal, 18, is widely considered to be Spain’s best player and is one of the most dominant players in the world, and he has made it clear that such chants have no place in football. The Barcelona forward wrote on Instagram on Wednesday: “I’m a Muslim. Yesterday at 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 against me personally, but as a Muslim it’s still disrespectful and intolerable.
“I understand that not all fans are like this, but for those who sing things like this, using religion as a mockery on the field makes you ignorant and racist people. Football is meant to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe. With that said, thank you to everyone who came out to support us. We’ll see you at the World Cup.”
Yamal’s club and national teammate Pedri also came forward to show his support, saying: “As players we are also shocked by this chant. We do not agree with any racist chants. We did not expect it. We all have to work together to prevent something like this from happening in the stadium.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was similarly dismayed by the scene, declaring: “I find this xenophobic and racist attitude completely and absolutely disgusting. I cannot stand it.”
As the match took place under FIFA’s jurisdiction, the governing body will review reports from those present and decide whether to take further action. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan seemed less troubled, suggesting he would not pass judgment on something he had not witnessed, choosing instead to praise the crowd.
“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.”
