Summary of this article
Spain’s goalless draw with Egypt in Barcelona was marred by anti‑Muslim chants from sections of the crowd
Lamine Yamal, of Moroccan origin and a practising Muslim, condemned the chants as “ignorant and racist”
Catalonia’s regional police announced an investigation into the Islamophobic chants at RCDE Stadium
Spain forward Lamine Yamal condemned the anti-Muslim chants from sections of home fans during the international friendly against Egypt in Barcelona on Tuesday. In a statement on Wednesday, the Barcelona player, who is of Moroccan origin and is a practising Muslim, called the behaviour “disrespectful and intolerable”.
“I understand that not all fans are like that, but to those who chant these things: Using a religion as a taunt on the field makes you look ignorant and racist,” Yamal wrote on Instagram. “Football is for enjoying and cheering, not for disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe.”
The incident took place at the RCDE Stadium during the game against Egypt, which served as a warm-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026. It has led to condemnation from the Spanish government, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and head coach Luis de la Fuente.
Meanwhile, Catalonia’s regional police said that they “will investigate yesterday’s Islamophobic and xenophobic chants at the RCDE Stadium during the friendly match Spain-Egypt.”
Racist abuse remains a recurring issue in Spanish football, with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Junior being frequently subjected to racist taunts during matches.
Meanwhile, Spain are scheduled to face Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, and Uruguay in Group H of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026, which starts on June 11.
What was Lamine Yamal’s reaction to the anti-Muslim chants in Spain vs Egypt?
Lamine Yamal condemned the anti‑Muslim chants, calling them “disrespectful and intolerable” and saying that using religion as a taunt is ignorant and racist.
What happened during the Spain vs Egypt match?
The Spain vs Egypt game was overshadowed by anti‑Muslim chants from sections of Spanish fans and whistling during Egypt’s national anthem.
What did the police say about the chants in Spain vs Egypt?
Catalonia’s regional police confirmed they would investigate the Islamophobic and xenophobic chants heard at the RCDE Stadium.
