Spain v Egypt in Cornellà marred by racist chants, what happens next? | OneFootball

Spain’s last friendly before this summer’s World Cup squad announcement was overshadowed by racist chanting at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà, raising urgent questions over protocol and sanctions.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, booing greeted Egypt’s anthem, then before the half-hour a chant targeting Muslims began in the south stand, Gol Cornellà, where far right Espanyol ultras often gather. It recurred before the break and after half-time, when most spectators voiced their disapproval.

Football’s three-step anti-racism protocol mandates PA warnings, then a temporary suspension, then abandonment after a third incident. None of those steps were taken.

The referee must initiate the process, though players or coaches can prompt him, but no one did. The Bulgarian officiating team’s language barrier may help explain the inaction, and Spain’s players could also have alerted the referee.

With the protocol dormant, half-time PA and screen messages reminded fans that Spanish law bans violent, xenophobic, homophobic or racist behaviour, then the announcement was repeated after the chant resurfaced. The RFEF drove the messaging and condemned the abuse online.

FIFA will oversee any discipline, with past cases drawing fines between 5,000 and 20,000 euros and, in graver instances, partial closures of up to 20% for one match, while no sporting penalties apply. Spain’s anti-violence commission can also fine the RFEF and individuals after a Mossos investigation, and Espanyol are not liable because the stadium was under federation control. In theory such episodes could affect hosting, in practice they are unlikely to.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo