Mossos investigate anti-Muslim and xenophobic chants at Spain v Egypt friendly | OneFootball

The Mossos d'Esquadra have opened an investigation into anti-Muslim and xenophobic chanting during the Spain v Egypt friendly at the RCDE Stadium. The force announced the move in a post on X on Wednesday.

A section of the crowd was heard chanting a line implying that anyone not jumping was Muslim, aimed at Egypt’s players. Officers say the case is being handled under hate crime and discrimination protocols.

Detectives are reviewing security camera footage inside and outside the ground to pinpoint where the chants began and who started them. They have co-ordinated with the Real Federación Española de Fútbol and stadium security to locate the section involved.

Investigators are also scanning social networks for signs of prior instigation, so far without findings. They do not currently believe the abuse came from organised groups, though they have reviewed accounts linked to the far right.

Catalonia’s sports minister Berni Álvarez and equality minister Eva Menor condemned the chanting in posts, calling it unacceptable.

The Spanish government’s delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto, also condemned the scenes, saying the match was shamefully tainted by racist chanting and that racism has no place. He added that organisers were told to activate the relevant protocols, which he said were implemented.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo