Barcelona star and Spain international Lamine Yamal condemned the racist chants during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt, part of both teams' preparations for the 2026 World Cup. As a Muslim, he considers making fun of a religion to be 'unacceptable.' On his personal Instagram account, Yamal wrote: 'I am Muslim, thank God. And finally, thanks to the fans who came to support us, see you at the World Cup.' Earlier on Wednesday, the Catalan police announced they had launched an investigation into the incident, describing it as 'anti-Islamic and xenophobic chants.' On platform X, the police stated: 'We are investigating anti-Islamic and xenophobic chants that were heard yesterday at the RCDE Stadium during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt.' Justice Minister Félix Bolaños also condemned the incident on X, saying: 'Insults and racist chants make us feel shame as a society.' The Spanish Football Federation had said on Tuesday evening that it 'condemns any violent act inside stadiums' and 'joins the message of football against racism.' Its president, Rafael Rubiales, considered the chants to be an 'isolated incident' and said they 'must not be repeated.' At the press conference after the match, Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente said he felt 'total and absolute disgust at any xenophobic, racist or disrespectful behavior,' condemning the 'unacceptable' chants and calling for those responsible to be 'identified and punished.' Midfielder Pedri told the press: 'We must all help each other to eradicate racist chants from football stadiums. Yesterday in the stadium, the chant 'Who doesn't jump is a Muslim' was heard. I know it was aimed at the opposing team and not personally at me, but as a Muslim person, it remains disrespectful and unacceptable.' The 18-year-old talented player continued: 'I understand that not all fans behave this way, but to those who chant such things: using religion to mock people at the stadium makes you ignorant and racist.' He added: 'Football was created for enjoyment and for cheering, not to insult people because of their identity or beliefs.' The Egyptian Football Federation also condemned the racist chants by Spain's fans against Egypt's players, stating, 'We do not like that.'
