Police to investigate Islamophobic chants during Spain-Egypt match as Lamine Yamal responds
During a World Cup preparation game at the RCDE Stadium close to Barcelona, which serves as the home for LaLiga side Espanyol, supporters from Spain were heard chanting "who doesn't jump is a Muslim" in a match against Egypt that finished without goals.
Justice Minister Felix Bolanos criticised the chants via the social media site X, restating the position of the left-leaning administration regarding the increasing influence of the far right, connected to escalating levels of racism and xenophobia.
"Racist insults and chants bring shame upon our society. The far right seeks to fill every space with its hatred, and those who stay quiet now become accomplices," he posted.
This event underscored worries over racism within Spanish football, an ongoing problem exemplified by incidents targeting Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Vinicius Jr in prominent cases.
Overhead screens in the stadium showed reminders that engaging in racist or xenophobic actions constitutes a criminal offence, but the chants persisted regardless.
Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente informed journalists that such racist conduct from spectators cannot be tolerated.
"They do not reflect the essence of football. They exploit football just as they do in various aspects of life. We must separate these individuals from wider society," he commented.
The Spanish Football Federation released a statement on social media declaring that it "opposes racism in football and denounces all forms of violence within stadiums".
On Wednesday, Catalonia's regional police, known as Mossos d'Esquadra, announced the launch of an inquiry into the matter, offering no additional information.
Lamine Yamal describes chant as 'disrespectful' and 'unacceptable'
It seems these chants targeted the Egyptian squad to unsettle them, yet they also impacted Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old who appeared upset while exiting the venue, evident from multiple clips shared online.
The Barcelona youngster quickly addressed the issue, posting on his Instagram: "At the stadium yesterday, the chant 'if you don't jump, you're a Muslim' could be heard. I realise it was directed at the rivals rather than a direct hit on me personally, but as a Muslim, it remains disrespectful and utterly unacceptable," his words opened.
The Barcelona youngster quickly addressed the issue, posting on his Instagram: "At the stadium yesterday, the chant 'if you don't jump, you're a Muslim' could be heard. I realise it was directed at the rivals rather than a direct hit on me personally, but as a Muslim, it remains disrespectful and utterly unacceptable.
"I recognise that not every supporter behaves this way, but to those involved in such singing: treating a religion as fodder for jokes in a stadium merely reveals your lack of knowledge and underlying racism.
"Football should be about enjoyment and backing your side, not belittling others based on their identity or faith.
"On that note, thanks to all who turned up to cheer us on. Until the World Cup."