Political Backlash in Spain After Racist, Anti‑Muslim Chants at Friendly Match Against Egypt

Political Backlash in Spain After Racist, Anti‑Muslim Chants at Friendly Match Against Egypt
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A friendly football match between Spain national football team and Egypt national football team in Barcelona on March 31, sparked widespread condemnation after sections of the crowd were heard chanting racist and anti‑Muslim slogans, prompting an official investigation and sharp political criticism.

During the match at the RCDE Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw as part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup, some supporters chanted phrases such as “who doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” in repeated incidents that were widely denounced as discriminatory and Islamophobic.

Catalonia’s regional police force (Mossos d’Esquadra) said it has opened a criminal investigation into the chants, which have been described as both Islamophobic and xenophobic. Authorities also displayed anti‑discrimination messages during the game advising fans that such behaviour could be unlawful.

The incident drew strong rebukes from political and sporting leaders in Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the chants “unacceptable” and said they did not represent Spanish values of diversity and tolerance. He expressed support for the players and urged that the behaviour not be repeated.

Football officials also condemned the behaviour. The Royal Spanish Football Federation and national team coach Luis de la Fuente denounced the chants, and Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, publicly called the slogans “disrespectful and intolerable,” saying football should not be a platform for intolerance.

The Egyptian Football Association also condemned the chants as a “repugnant act of racism” and reiterated its rejection of discriminatory behaviour in stadiums.

Local authorities, including the mayor of Cornellà de Llobregat, condemned the chants and said they came from a small group of spectators, not the community as a whole. Officials have called for decisive action to prevent similar incidents and uphold respect and coexistence in sports.