International media condemn xenophobic chants at Spain v Egypt in Cornellà | OneFootball

The Mossos d'Esquadra are investigating Islamophobic and xenophobic chanting during Spain’s friendly with Egypt at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Cornellà.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the anti-racism protocol was triggered at half-time after cries of 'musulmán el que no bote', and the incidents are likely to bring a deserved sanction for the Spanish federation, which could include a stadium closure or fines.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente issued a firm denunciation, calling any racist or xenophobic behaviour intolerable. He noted the scoreboard warning and said most of the crowd whistled those persisting, adding he had not spoken to president Rafael Louzán but expected a similar stance.

Louzán struck a milder tone, saying the federation had used videoboards to insist such chanting could not happen and that football must model coexistence and respect. He described it as an isolated incident and said the atmosphere was otherwise positive.

Egyptian outlets were particularly forceful, describing shameful moments that stained a festive occasion and arguing the scenes damage the image of Spanish football with the 2030 World Cup approaching.

Major publications in France, the UK, Italy, Brazil, the United States and Argentina also highlighted the chants and the protocol’s activation.

The match ended 0-0.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo