Racist Chants Mar Spain-Egypt Friendly, Spark Outrage and Calls for Action
CORNEL·LÀ, Spain – An international friendly match between Spain and Egypt at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona on Tuesday evening was overshadowed by deeply disturbing incidents of racist behavior from a segment of the Spanish supporters. Fans directed anti-Muslim chants toward the Egyptian players, prompting condemnation from players, coaches, and raising serious questions about ongoing issues of racism within Spanish football.
The Incident: “Qui ne saute pas est musulman”
During the first half of the match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, a portion of the Spanish crowd repeatedly chanted “Musulman el que no bote,” which translates to “Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim.” The chants, reported by multiple sources including L’Équipe and Yahoo Sports, were directed at the Egyptian team, seemingly suggesting those who did not participate in jumping were identifiable by their faith. The incident occurred around the 10th and 22nd minutes of play. The atmosphere at the RCDE Stadium, home to Espanyol Barcelona, had already been tense, with Egyptian national anthem being met with boos from some in attendance.
Limited Response During the Match
Despite the clear nature of the racist abuse, initial reports indicate that the anti-racism protocol was not immediately activated. According to Cadena SER, the referee, Georgi Kabakov, did not appear to be alerted to the chants, and play continued uninterrupted for a period. However, at halftime, a message was displayed on the stadium’s video screen reminding spectators that “the legislation relating to the prevention of violence in sport prohibits and punishes any active participation in violent, xenophobic, homophobic or racist acts.” The stadium announcer also delivered a verbal reminder of the rules, which was reportedly met with further jeers from some fans.
Condemnation from Players and Coaches
Following the match, both Spain midfielder Pedri and national team coach Luis de la Fuente swiftly condemned the racist behavior. Pedri stated, as reported by Foot Mercato, “We do not endorse any racist chants, we do not appreciate them and we do not support them in any way. We must all perform together to eradicate them from football grounds.” Coach de la Fuente echoed this sentiment, adding, “I strongly condemn any racist, xenophobic or disrespectful behavior. It’s intolerable.”
A Recurring Problem in Spanish Football
This incident is not isolated. Spanish football has faced increasing scrutiny over racist incidents in recent years. The situation highlights a persistent problem within the league, and comes as Spain prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco. The choice of Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country, as a co-host adds another layer of sensitivity to the issue. In 2024, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior called for Spain to be stripped of its World Cup hosting rights if the issue of racism wasn’t addressed, a plea that appears to have gone largely unheeded.
Potential Sanctions and Further Investigation
Authorities are now considering potential sanctions, which could range from financial penalties to the partial or full closure of the RCDE Stadium. A fine is also likely to be imposed on the Spanish Football Federation. The severity of the sanctions will likely depend on the findings of an investigation into the incident. The Spanish Football Federation has previously taken a zero-tolerance approach to similar cases, suggesting that those involved could face significant consequences.
What In other words for the Future
The events at the RCDE Stadium serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against racism in football. Although the display of a message on the stadium screen and the condemnation from players and coaches are positive steps, they are insufficient on their own. More robust protocols are needed to identify and punish perpetrators of racist abuse, and a broader cultural shift is required to address the underlying prejudices that fuel such behavior. The incident will undoubtedly intensify scrutiny on Spanish football as it prepares to welcome the world for the 2030 World Cup, and will likely prompt renewed calls for stronger action from governing bodies.
The next international fixture for the Spanish national team is scheduled for June 5, 2026, against Northern Ireland in Belfast. Fans and officials alike will be hoping that match, and all future games, will be played in an atmosphere of respect and inclusivity.
