Spain boss condemns fans for ‘intolerable’ anti-Muslim chants during Egypt friendly | OneFootball

Spain’s national football coach Luis de la Fuente has issued a strong condemnation of "xenophobic or racist attitudes" following repeated anti-Muslim chants from fans during his side’s friendly match against Egypt.

The incident occurred during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw, a fixture forming part of Spain’s preparations for this summer’s World Cup.

De la Fuente expressed his outrage after the game, stating: "I feel total and absolute repulsion towards any xenophobic or racist attitudes. They are intolerable."

The chants, which mocked Muslims, were particularly notable given that Egypt is a majority-Muslim nation. Furthermore, Spain’s prominent player, Lamine Yamal, is also Muslim.

Spain are set to face Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, alongside group stage matches against Cape Verde and Uruguay in Group H of the 48-team tournament.

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The anti-Muslim chants could be heard during Spain's game against Egypt (AP)

Egypt, meanwhile, are scheduled to play Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in Group G.

The friendly itself was hosted by Spain, having originally been slated for Qatar. The venue change was prompted by the region being affected by the Iran war.

A separate "Finalissima" game in Qatar, intended to feature South American champions Argentina and European champions Spain, was also cancelled after rescheduling agreements could not be reached.

Spain beat England in the final to win the European Championships two years ago but have struggled at recent World Cups.

They were knocked out in the round of 16 in 2018 and 2022, while they failed to make it beyond the group stage in 2014.

However, they proved they can go all the way in 2010 when they bounced back from a defeat in their opening match against Switzerland to win the tournament in South Africa.

Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, as Spain backed up their Euro 2008 triumph by winning the World Cup, and De La Fuente will be hoping to lead his team to global glory once more in the coming months.