Catalan police open investigation after racist and Islamophobic chants at Spain v Egypt friendly in Barcelona | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, the Catalan police have opened an investigation into racist and Islamophobic chanting during Spain’s 0-0 draw with Egypt in Barcelona. The force announced the move on Wednesday.

The chants were heard at the RCDE Stadium, home of Espanyol Barcelona. A group of Spain fans chanted a line asserting that anyone not jumping was Muslim in the 10th and 22nd minutes.

The police are examining alleged Islamophobic and xenophobic chanting at the venue. Spain’s justice minister Félix Bolaños called the insults and racist chants a disgrace and said silence would make others complicit.

He added that the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez continues to work for a tolerant and respectful country. On Tuesday night, the Spanish federation condemned all violence in stadiums and backed the message of football against racism.

In his post-match press conference, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he felt total and absolute disgust at any xenophobic, racist or disrespectful behaviour. He described the chants as intolerable and urged that those responsible be identified and sanctioned.

Source: L'Équipe