“I just laugh” – Morocco star Akhomach shrugs off offensive Spanish chants at Islam

Morocco international Ilias Akhomach has broken his silence regarding the discriminatory chanting in Spanish football, insisting he remains unfazed by offensive behaviour from sections of supporters.

In recent weeks, Spanish football has been rocked by reports of offensive chants heard in several matches, including slogans targeting Islam such as “Whoever does not jump is a Muslim,” which have surfaced at different fixtures involving club and international games.

Akhomach delivered a top-class performance to help Rayo Vallecano defeat AEK Athens in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League competition. The winger scored and assisted a goal as the side cruised to an emphatic 3-0 home win over the Greek side.

Speaking after the match, Akhomach chose not to be drawn into anger, instead downplaying the impact such behaviour has on him personally.

“People give offensive chants a lot of importance, but I don’t care and they don’t affect me,” he said, showing remarkable composure in the face of a sensitive and widely discussed issue.

He went further, suggesting that he would not be emotionally shaken even if confronted directly by such remarks: “When they say it to my face, I will laugh and tell them that they are very nice people.”

Akhomach’s response reflects a growing trend among players choosing resilience over confrontation while still acknowledging the existence of discrimination in football stadiums.

Despite the off-field distractions, the Moroccan international remains fully focused on his sporting responsibilities. He continues to play a key role in Rayo Vallecano’s European campaign, where his performances have been crucial in their push for success.

His calm reaction has drawn attention not only for its restraint, but also for the way it highlights the emotional strength required of modern footballers navigating both elite competition and social challenges.