Spain PM condemns ‘unacceptable’ anti-Muslim chants at Egypt friendly

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has launched a scathing condemnation of the anti-Muslim chants directed at the Egyptian national team during a friendly match in Barcelona, stating that such “unacceptable” behavior has “tarnished” the image of Spain.

In the aftermath of the goalless draw at the RCDE Stadium, Sánchez emphasized that the actions of an “uncivil minority” do not represent the values of the Spanish people.

The incident occurred during a high-profile World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Reports from the stadium indicated that sections of the crowd engaged in xenophobic chanting, including the phrase “whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” and subjected the Egyptian national anthem to loud whistling.

The Prime Minister’s intervention reflects growing government concern over recurring issues of discrimination within Spanish football, which have drawn international scrutiny in recent years.

“Behaviors like those seen yesterday are unacceptable and tarnish the image of our country,” Sánchez said in a tweet.

El episodio de ayer en Cornellà es inaceptable y no debe repetirse. No podemos permitir que una minoría incívica empañe la realidad de España, un país plural y tolerante. La selección de fútbol y su afición, también.

Todo mi apoyo a los deportistas que lo sufrieron y mi aplauso…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 1, 2026

He was joined by Justice Minister Félix Bolaños, who remarked that the chants “shame us as a society.” The condemnation follows a period where Spanish football has been under the spotlight for racism, most notably involving high-profile incidents targeting Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.

The fallout from the match has prompted swift legal and institutional action. Catalonia’s regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, has officially opened an investigation into potential hate crimes to identify those responsible.

Simultaneously, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) expressed its “total repulsion” toward the chants, noting that anti-discrimination protocols—including stadium screen warnings—were activated during the game.

The controversy was particularly jarring given that one of Spain’s most prominent young stars, 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, is a practicing Muslim.

Yamal himself called the behavior “inappropriate,” suggesting that using religion as a tool for mockery reflects “ignorance and racism.”

Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, echoed these sentiments, describing the individuals involved as a “disgrace” to the sport.