Cornellà-El Prat, Spain – A friendly international between Spain and Egypt at the RCDE Stadium on Tuesday was overshadowed by reports of racist chanting from a section of the home crowd. The match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, marked Spain’s return to Catalonia after a four-year absence, but the occasion was marred by discriminatory behavior.
Witnesses reported hearing chants of “Musulmà qui no salti” – roughly translated as “Muslim who doesn’t jump” – directed towards Egyptian supporters and players. The incident occurred in front of a crowd of 35,895, according to reports. The chants prompted immediate condemnation from anti-racism groups and sparked a wider conversation about discrimination in Spanish football.
The RCDE Stadium, home to RCD Espanyol, has increasingly become a venue for international fixtures. The stadium’s website highlights its modern facilities and capacity to host major sporting events. It recently hosted Spain’s friendly against Albania in 2022, and has previously welcomed matches featuring Brazil, Morocco, Peru, and other national teams. The venue boasts a capacity of 40,500, making it the tenth-largest stadium in Spain and the third-largest in Catalonia, as noted by Wikipedia.
This match was particularly significant as it represented the Spanish national team’s first appearance in Catalonia since March 26, 2022, when they faced Albania at the same venue. The return was intended as a boost for football fans in the region and a demonstration of the RCDE Stadium’s ability to attract high-profile international contests. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) selected the RCDE Stadium, reinforcing its position as a key sporting infrastructure in Barcelona, according to a statement released by RCD Espanyol.
However, the racist incident has cast a shadow over these positive developments. While authorities have not yet released details on any investigations or potential sanctions, the RFEF and RCD Espanyol are expected to address the issue. The incident raises questions about security measures at the stadium and the effectiveness of efforts to combat racism in Spanish football.
The match itself was a relatively uneventful affair, ending in a scoreless draw. It served as a final preparation for both teams before upcoming international competitions. For Spain, the game was a warm-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The friendly against Egypt was the last competitive outing for Luis de la Fuente’s squad before the tournament.
The selection of the RCDE Stadium was initially complicated by geopolitical factors, with the scheduling of the match impacted by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The RFEF had to discover an alternative venue after a planned match in Qatar was suspended, as reported by El Nacional. They secured the RCDE Stadium for the match against Egypt, following a prior friendly against Serbia in Vila-real.
The incident at the RCDE Stadium is not isolated. Racism has been a recurring problem in Spanish football, with previous incidents involving discriminatory behavior towards players and fans. This latest episode underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address the issue and create a more inclusive environment for all.
The next scheduled match for the Spanish national team is yet to be announced, but details will be released by the RFEF in due course. Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching to see how the authorities respond to the events at the RCDE Stadium and what steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Archysport will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below.
