MADRID: Spanish police are investigating Islamophobic and xenophobic chants heard during the Spain-Egypt friendly in Barcelona.
The match, part of Spain’s World Cup warm-up, ended 0-0. Fans at RCDE Stadium were heard chanting: "Whoever doesn't jump is Muslim." This drew outrage from several prominent figures, including Spanish forward Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim.
Yamal called the chants "intolerable" and "a lack of respect," urging those who mock religion on the pitch to be seen as "ignorant and racist."
Justice Minister Felix Bolanos condemned the event, stating that such abuse "embarrasses us as a society." Spain’s Football Federation and most political parties also criticized the incident.
However, far-right politician Santiago Abascal supported the fans’ display of national pride.
This marks another chapter in Spain’s ongoing struggle with racism in football. Vinicius Junior, a Brazilian striker for Real Madrid, has faced repeated racial abuse since joining the club in 2018.
In 2025, Spain's first conviction for a racist hate crime during a football match was issued against five fans from Real Valladolid.
The Spain-Egypt game was moved from Qatar due to Middle East conflict. The host nation faces growing scrutiny for its handling of xenophobia in sports.
Spain will compete in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Egypt is in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran.