Spain forward Lamine Yamal has condemned “disrespectful and intolerable” anti-Muslim chants during a goalless friendly against Egypt in Barcelona, as police launched an investigation.
The match, held at RCDE Stadium on Tuesday, was disrupted by sections of the crowd chanting offensive slogans during the first half. Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country.
Although the chants were not directly aimed at Yamal, who is Muslim, the 18-year-old said they were still offensive.
“I am Muslim, alhamdulillah,” Yamal wrote on social media. “I know it was not personal, but it is still disrespectful and completely intolerable.”
He added that using religion to mock others is “ignorant and racist,” stressing that football should promote respect, not discrimination.
Catalonia’s Sports Minister Berni Álvarez described the incident as “deplorable” and said authorities would support the player. He also criticised organisers for failing to act quickly.
Local police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, confirmed they are investigating “Islamophobic and xenophobic chants” during the match.
World football body FIFA is also reviewing reports from match officials and security teams. Spain could face sanctions depending on the findings.
Officials said standard protocol requires reviewing referee reports, security assessments and video evidence before any action is taken.
There were also reports of fans whistling during Egypt’s national anthem and again when some Egyptian players prayed on the pitch.
A message was announced in the stadium during halftime, urging fans to stop xenophobic behaviour. The warning was repeated in the second half.
The Egyptian Football Association condemned the incident, calling it a “reprehensible racist act” and urging stronger action to prevent such behaviour globally.
Spanish club RCD Espanyol, whose stadium hosted the match, also denounced the chants, saying they do not reflect the values of sport.
Yamal, born in Barcelona to Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean parents, is one of Spain’s rising stars and played a key role in their UEFA Euro 2024 victory.
