Anti-Muslim chants mar Spain v Egypt friendly in Cornella | OneFootball

Anti-Muslim chants from sections of the crowd marred Spain’s 0-0 friendly with Egypt at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Cornella on Tuesday. It was Spain’s first game in Catalonia for 18 years.

The 37,000 in attendance sang the national anthem and waved flags, but the Egyptian anthem was whistled. In the first half a section started a racist chant at 10 minutes, repeated at 22 minutes, “Musulman el que no bote”.

According to El Mundo, no protocol was activated after the chants, though match delegate Nuria Martinez discussed the matter with the fourth official. The outlet also noted fresh whistles at half-time when Egypt midfielder Issa knelt and kissed the turf.

During the break, a giant-screen message reminded supporters that legislation bans violent, xenophobic, homophobic or racist behaviour, and the stadium announcer issued guidance.

After full-time, Spain coach Luis De La Fuente condemned the incidents, calling them totally unacceptable and saying those who use football for such behaviour should be removed from society. Spanish federation president Rafael Louzan described it as an isolated case that must not be repeated and must be contained.

Marca labelled the chants shameful. The episode dents the federation’s image as Spain will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, a majority Muslim country. Cornella is among the candidate venues.

Source: L'Équipe