Spain’s Yamal says anti-Muslim chants during Egypt match ‘disrespectful, intolerable’

ISTANBUL

Spain's professional footballer Lamine Yamal said anti-Muslim chants heard during the friendly match against Egypt were “disrespectful” and “intolerable,” while noting they were not directed at him personally.

In a statement shared on the US social media platform Instagram, Yamal, who plays for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team, referred to chants from sections of the crowd, including “jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” which were heard during the Spain-Egypt game at RCDE Stadium in Catalonia, Spain.

“I am a Muslim, Alhamdulillah,” Yamal said. “I know I was going for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me, but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.”

He added that, while not all supporters share such behavior, using religion as a form of mockery in stadiums is inappropriate.

“I understand that not all fanatics are like this, but to those who sing these things: using a religion as a mockery in a field leaves you ignorant and racist people,” he said, adding that football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, “not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in.”

“With that being said, thank you to the people who came to cheer us on, see you at the World Cup,” he added.

On Tuesday, anti-Muslim chants during Spain’s 0-0 friendly draw against Egypt drew condemnation from the Spanish Football Federation and players.

The chants continued despite stadium warnings, with coach Luis de la Fuente calling them “not tolerable,” while midfielder Pedri said the team was “shocked.”

Spanish police have also confirmed they are investigating “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants.