Spanish Football Faces Backlash Over Racist Chants

Spanish police have launched an investigation into Islamophobic and xenophobic chants heard during a friendly match against Egypt. The incident, condemned by players and the Spanish government, highlights ongoing concerns about racism in Spanish soccer. The chants were deemed disrespectful by Spain's winger, Lamine Yamal.

Spanish police initiated a probe on Wednesday following Islamophobic and xenophobic chants heard during Tuesday's friendly match against Egypt, which drew criticism from various quarters, including players, football officials, and the Spanish government.

The chants, which occurred at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, involved fans shouting 'who doesn't jump is a Muslim' during the World Cup warm-up match that ended in a draw. Lamine Yamal, a Muslim winger for Spain, expressed his dismay on Instagram, stating that such chants are disrespectful and intolerable, emphasizing the need for football to be a space of enjoyment and respect.

Felix Bolanos, Spain's Justice Minister, condemned the chants via social media, linking them to the rise of the far right, racism, and xenophobia. While Catalonia's regional police have launched an investigation, the incident underscores recurring issues of racism in Spanish football, notably exemplified by previous cases involving Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr.

(With inputs from agencies.)