US EditionWhen Football Chants Turn Toxic: Spain’s Uncomfortable Night in Barcelona
- On Tuesday, spectators at RCDE Stadium in Cornella targeted Egypt's team with xenophobic chants during an international friendly against Spain, chanting "Whoever doesn't jump is a Muslim" despite public address warnings against such behavior.
- The chant originates from an Argentine football song about the Falklands War, adapted to mock visiting players; it targeted the Egypt team, whose population is around 90% Muslim.
- Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, a practicing Muslim, condemned the behavior as "ignorant and racist," stating the mockery aimed at opponents remained intolerable disrespect. "Using religion as a mockery on the field leaves you ignorant and racist people," Yamal posted.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the incident "unacceptable," while Catalonia's regional police launched an investigation and the Spanish Football Federation condemned the chants as tarnishing Spain's diverse reality.
- Recent high-profile hate crime cases in Spanish football provide context for these chants, including the 2025 sentencing of fans for abusing Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr, as officials emphasize eliminating racist attitudes.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Hansi Flick says it is "frustrating that a small number of idiots do not understand that we must convey values of integration and inclusion."
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa admits that every day «it is an end» and that there is no room for error at this stage of the season, and appeals to his players to concentrate on the duel against Mallorca this Saturday (16.15 hours).«We are where we wanted to be, fighting for the League and Champions. Our only goal has to be to win the game tomorrow. When we pass the game in Mallorca we will think about the next. We play the League and Champion…
On Good Friday he felt in the Sports City of Atlético de Madrid. Simeone verbalized it, arguing spirituality and faith as a way to regain respect in society. El Cholo explains racist chants during the last match of the Spanish team through the lack of such principles. It is also a moment of conviction for his team, which faces this Saturday the first chapter of the trilogy against Barcelona. It will be in Liga and Metropolitano. Simeone recovers…
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