Spanish Police open probe into racist chants during Spain v Egypt friendly

Spanish authorities have launched an investigation following reports of Islamophobic and xenophobic chants during Tuesday’s international friendly between Spain and Egypt, an incident that has triggered widespread condemnation from government and football officials.

The match, played at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona and ending in a goalless draw, was overshadowed by sections of the home crowd chanting offensive slogans, including “who doesn’t jump is a Muslim.”

Spain’s Justice Minister Félix Bolaños strongly condemned the behaviour, using social media to denounce what he described as a stain on society.

He warned that rising extremism was fuelling intolerance and stressed that silence in the face of such incidents amounts to complicity.

The episode has once again brought the issue of racism in Spanish football into sharp focus. The sport has faced repeated criticism in recent years, with high-profile cases—such as abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr.—highlighting ongoing concerns about discrimination in stadiums.

Despite clear warnings displayed on stadium screens reminding spectators that racist and xenophobic behaviour is a criminal offence, the chants reportedly continued.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente also condemned the incident, describing such conduct as unacceptable and unrepresentative of football, while calling for those responsible to be isolated from the sport and society.

The Spanish Football Federation issued a statement reaffirming its stance against racism and violence, pledging its commitment to eradicating discrimination from the game.

Catalonia’s regional police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, confirmed that an investigation has been opened, though details remain limited as inquiries continue.