Lamine Yamal Condemns Anti-Muslim Chants as Spain Fans Spark Racism Row

Published by: The Fatu Network

Spain forward Lamine Yamal has criticised anti-Muslim chants by sections of fans during Tuesday’s friendly against Egypt in Barcelona, calling the behaviour “ignorant and racist.” Writing on Instagram, Yamal said religion should never be used as a taunt in football, adding that such conduct is unacceptable even when not aimed at a specific player. The incident has quickly drawn attention, raising fresh concerns about discrimination in Spanish football.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente strongly condemned the chants, describing any racist or xenophobic behaviour as intolerable. The Egyptian Football Association also criticised the incident, calling it a “reprehensible racist act” and pointing to a lack of respect during Egypt’s national anthem. Spain’s sports minister Milagros Tolón said hate and discrimination have no place in sport or society.

Catalonia police have opened an investigation into the chanting at the RCDE Stadium. The episode adds to ongoing concerns about racism in Spain, where players such as Vinícius Júnior have faced repeated abuse. Football’s global governing body FIFA has not yet commented.