Spain international Lamine Yamal has issued a call for unity after a section of the crowd targeted the Egyptian national team and Muslim players with Islamophobic chants during Tuesday’s international friendly at the RCDE Stadium. The match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, was overshadowed by offensive slogans from the stands, leading to a police investigation and a formal condemnation from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Spain Held to 0–0 Draw by Egypt in International Friendly Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Lamine Yamal's Reaction

 

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Lamine Yamal Issues Statement

Breaking his silence via social media on Wednesday, the 18-year-old Barcelona star, who is himself Muslim, emphasised that the sport should remain a space for positive celebration. Yamal, whose father is Moroccan and mother is from Equatorial Guinea, posted a message intended to de-escalate the tension.

"Football is for enjoying it and cheering," Yamal stated. "There is no place for hate or discrimination in our stadiums. We play for everyone, and we want everyone to feel welcome."

His remarks follow a first half in which sections of the home support were heard chanting "Muslim who doesn't jump" during the opening ten minutes.

The Incident Unfolds

The controversial chants marred what was intended to be a routine friendly match, part of Spain's preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Reports indicate that the anti-Muslim slogan, translating to "jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn't jump is a Muslim," was heard multiple times during the opening minutes, in the first half, and again shortly after the second half began.

The Egyptian national anthem was also reportedly met with whistles and boos from some sections of the crowd before the match. In response to the discriminatory behaviour, a warning message was displayed on the stadium's giant screen and delivered over the public-address system during half-time, reminding supporters of Spanish legislation prohibiting xenophobic, racist, and discriminatory conduct. However, these warnings were reportedly met with jeers and the chants continued.

Widespread Condemnation

The incident has drawn strong reactions from across the Spanish football establishment. The RFEF issued a statement condemning "all types of violence on a football pitch" and instructed stadium officials to broadcast messages against such behaviour. FIFA World Cup 2026: Here's A Look At Groups Ahead 23rd Edition of Football WC.

Spain's national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, expressed "total and absolute repulsion towards any xenophobic or racist attitude," labelling the chants as "intolerable" and calling for the individuals responsible to be "removed from society."

Midfielder Pedri, a teammate of Yamal's for both club and country, stated that the players were "shocked by the chants" and emphasised the collective responsibility to "stop this from happening in stadiums." Goalkeeper Joan Garcia echoed these sentiments, confirming the team's absolute opposition to any form of discrimination.

 

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