Soccer fans were repeatedly warned to stop discriminatory behaviour during Spain’s encounter with Egypt on Tuesday, March 31st after anti-Muslim chants were heard throughout the match at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
In the opening minutes of the 0–0 friendly draw, sections of the home crowd were seen jumping while chanting “
Musulmán el que no bote (“whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” roughly translated.)
The chant was repeated several times during the first half and again after the break, despite calls for restraint.
A message was displayed on the stadium screen at half-time and read out over the loudspeaker system, urging supporters to refrain from racist, xenophobic, or homophobic chants. The warning was repeated early in the second half, but was met with whistles from parts of the crowd.
There was also loud whistling during Egypt’s national anthem before kickoff, and further jeers when some Egyptian players kneeled and kissed the ground at half-time.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation condemned the incidents, stating it stands against racism and any form of violence in football. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente also strongly criticized the behaviour, calling it “completely intolerable” and saying those responsible “are a disgrace” and do not represent the sport.
Egypt, a predominantly Muslim country, faced Spain in the friendly match as part of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Both teams have already qualified for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
