Equality official asks prosecutors to probe Spain v Egypt chants as possible hate crime | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Beatriz Carrillo, director general for Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination and against Racism at the Ministry of Equality, has asked prosecutors to investigate Islamophobic and xenophobic chants at Tuesday’s Spain v Egypt friendly at the Cornellà stadium in Barcelona as a possible hate crime. She has written to Miguel Ángel Aguilar, the State Prosecutor’s coordinator for hate crimes and discrimination.

In her letter, she says the incidents could constitute an offence under article 510 of the Penal Code, subject to the prosecutor’s legal assessment. She urges the office to begin appropriate proceedings to clarify the events and, if necessary, to determine responsibility.

The letter recalls that part of the crowd shouted openly Islamophobic and xenophobic chants, including repeated cries of "Musulmán el que no bote". It also notes that Egypt’s national anthem was booed shortly before the match.

Citing published statements by members of the Government of Catalonia, the letter says the chants were probably promoted by organised far-right sectors that used the sporting occasion to amplify hate messages.

It further highlights that various international bodies and FIFA regulations provide for sanctions over discriminatory chanting in stadiums, underscoring the seriousness of what happened.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo