Investigation launched into anti-Muslim chants during Spain’s friendly match
Catalan authorities have opened an investigation into anti-Muslim chanting that marred Spain’s pre-World Cup friendly against Egypt on Tuesday evening, reports BritPanorama.
The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, confirmed the probe on Wednesday via the social media platform X, stating they are examining “Islamophobic and xenophobic chants” that occurred at RCDE Stadium during the goalless draw.
Within the opening 10 minutes of the fixture at Espanyol’s ground on the outskirts of Barcelona, segments of Spanish supporters were observed jumping and chanting “bote, bote, bote musulman el que no bote,” which translates to “jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim.” This chanting was heard again during the first half and shortly after the interval. Stadium officials intervened multiple times, broadcasting appeals over the public address system, urging spectators to quieten down, which were met with whistles from the crowd.
Spain’s justice minister, Félix Bolaños, responded forcefully on social media, stating, “Racist insults and chants embarrass us as a society. The far right will not leave any space free from their hatred, and those who remain silent today will be complicit.”
Moreover, an on-screen message reminded attendees that Spanish legislation prohibits and penalises participation in violent, xenophobic, homophobic, or racist conduct at sporting events. The Spanish football federation condemned the behaviour and confirmed it had ordered the stadium announcements calling for an end to all forms of violence at football matches. Coach Luis de la Fuente said, “I feel total and absolute repulsion towards any xenophobic or racist attitudes. They are intolerable.” Midfielder Pedri expressed similar sentiments, saying, “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.”
Spain’s sports minister, Milagros Tolon, added: “Hate, racism and xenophobia have no place in stadiums or in our society.” The chanting was particularly notable given that approximately 90 per cent of Egypt’s population follows Islam, according to the World Religion Database. Spain’s own teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, a 18-year-old Barcelona forward, is a practising Muslim. Additionally, Egypt’s national anthem was jeered by some sections of the crowd before kick-off.
The friendly match, part of the preparations for this summer’s World Cup, had to be relocated from Qatar due to complications arising from the Iran war. Both Spain and Egypt have already secured qualification for the tournament, with Spain set to face Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the troubling intersection between sport and societal attitudes, illustrating how deeply entrenched prejudices can manifest in public spaces. It compels both authorities and fans to confront these issues head-on, ensuring that stadiums foster inclusivity rather than division.
