Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has spoken out against the anti-Muslim chanting directed at him during Tuesday night’s friendly international between Spain and Egypt.
The 17-year-old, who was representing Spain, addressed the incident, describing the chants as “disrespectful” and “intolerable.” One of the songs heard from a section of the crowd referenced a religious group in a mocking manner, with the chant: “the one who doesn’t jump is a Muslim.”
While acknowledging that he was supporting the opposing team and that the chant may not have been intended as a personal attack, Yamal made clear that such actions carry a deeper significance.
“I know I was paying for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me, but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable,” he said.
The teenager emphasised that football should be an environment of inclusion and enjoyment, free from discrimination. He expressed understanding that not all fans engage in such behaviour but directed his message at those who do.
“I understand not all fans are like this, but to those who sing these things, using a religion as mockery on the field makes you ignorant and racist people,” Yamal stated.
He also offered gratitude to the supporters who attended the match in a positive spirit, adding: “With that being said, thank you to the people who came to cheer us on. See you at the World Cup.”
The incident occurred during Spain’s friendly encounter with Egypt and has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of discriminatory chanting in football stadiums.