The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) condemns supporters for anti-Muslim chants during Spain’s 0-0 draw with Egypt at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. In the opening 10 minutes, sections of the home crowd chanted “bote, bote, bote musulman el que no bote,” translating to “jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” while bouncing in the stands.
Stadium Response to Chants
At halftime, screens displayed a warning: “We remind you the legislation to prevent violence in sport forbids and punishes the active participation in violent, xenophobic, homophobic or racist acts.” The stadium announcer echoed the message, urging fans to stop. Spanish supporters responded with whistles and resumed the chant shortly after the break.
The RFEF issues a statement on social media, instructing stadium speakers to broadcast condemnations of all violence on the pitch.
Coach Luis de la Fuente Condemns Behavior
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente denounces the fans’ actions. “It’s intolerable,” he states. “Violent people use football to carve out a space for themselves. They must be removed from society, identified, and kept as far away as possible.”
Lamine Yamal’s Reaction
Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona forward and practicing Muslim, starts the match but exits at halftime among four substitutions. Reports indicate Yamal leaves the stadium without acknowledging fans, head down and accompanied by security.
Teammates Voice Disapproval
Barcelona teammate Pedri expresses shock post-match: “We, as players, have been shocked by the chants too. We don’t agree to any sort of racist chant. We did not expect it. We all have to work together to stop this from happening in stadiums.”
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia adds: “Any discriminatory message against anything … we are absolutely against it. I have heard the chants and the message from the FA in the speakers.”
