The friendly between Spain and Egypt, which ended in a goalless draw at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, was marred by acts of intolerance from some Spanish fans in the stands. Since the teams warmed up and at various other times, anti-Muslim chants were heard.
The country’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, expressed support for the opponent and expressed outrage at the “unacceptable” incident. Lamine Yamal also condemned the action of an “ignorant minority.”
Spanish fans chanted “whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim” to provoke their opponents, which ended up generating worldwide outrage, such was the negative repercussion of new discriminatory acts — the country is already facing, above all, Real Madrid, a frequent target when they play away from home.
Yesterday’s (Tuesday) incident in Cornellà is unacceptable and must not be repeated. We cannot allow an uncivilized minority to tarnish the image of Spain, a pluralistic and tolerant country. The national football team and its fans are no exception.
“All my support for the athletes who suffered from this and my applause to those who, with respect, help us to be a better country”, concluded the Prime Minister of Spain, via social media.
Yamal is a manifesto
The young striker. After the first half, visibly irritated by the racist chants, the Barcelona player went straight down to the changing rooms. Replaced, he used his social networks to vent.
“I’m a Muslim, Alhamdulillah. Yesterday, in the stadium, the chant ‘who doesn’t jump is a Muslim’ was heard. I know it was directed at the rival team and had nothing to do with me, but, as a Muslim, this is still a lack of respect and something intolerable”, said the Barcelona jewel.
The attacker reproached the “ignorant minority” who disrespected their opponents. “I understand that not all fans are like this, but for those who sing these things: using a religion as a joke in a stadium makes you look ignorant and racist,” he said.
“Football is about having fun and cheering, not about disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe in. That said, I thank everyone who came to support us and see you at the World Cup” — added Barça’s number 10.
