Lamine Yamal slams “intolerable” racist abuse during Egypt friendly | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal has condemned “intolerable” racist abuse during Spain’s 0-0 draw with Egypt on Tuesday.

The chants — translating as “whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim” — were audible from the opening minutes and resurfaced after half-time. Egypt’s national anthem had also been met with whistles before kick-off.

Spanish police in Barcelona are investigating what they described as “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants heard during the friendly at the RCDE Stadium.

Stadium officials displayed warnings on the big screens at half-time and repeated them early in the second half, though parts of the crowd responded with whistles on both occasions.

Yamal, who was substituted at half-time, left the stadium afterwards with his head down without greeting the supporters — the only Spanish player to do so.

Lamine Yamal speaks out after anti-Muslim chants mar Spain’s draw with Egypt

On Wednesday, the Barcelona superstar broke his silence on Instagram. “I am Muslim, alhamdulillah,” he wrote.

“I know the chants were against the opposition and nothing personal, but as a Muslim it is still disrespectful and completely intolerable. Using a religion as a way of mocking others inside a stadium is ignorant and racist. Football is to be enjoyed, not to disrespect others for who they are or what they believe in.”

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @lamineyamal

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was equally forthright. “Total and absolute disgust at any racist or xenophobic act. These violent individuals, who exploit football, must be removed from society,” he said.

The Spanish Football Federation echoed those sentiments, confirming their stance against all forms of racism and violence inside stadiums.

Espanyol, whose ground hosted the fixture, also issued a strong condemnation. The fixture had been moved from Qatar due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

De la Fuente made ten changes from the side that defeated Serbia 3-0 last Friday, with Yamal the only player to retain his starting place. Egypt, meanwhile, were without Mohamed Salah, who remains sidelined with a foot injury.

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