Nico Williams backs Lamine Yamal’s message after racist chants at Spain friendly | OneFootball

Nico Williams has backed Lamine Yamal’s message condemning racist chants heard at Espanyol’s stadium during Spain’s 0-0 friendly with Egypt.

A sizeable section of the stands in Cornellà began, after the 10th minute, to chant "musulmán el que no bote es" repeatedly, clearly audible across the ground. There were reportedly whistles during Egypt’s anthem and insults aimed at prime minister Pedro Sánchez.

The game was not halted, even though FIFA protocol allows a stoppage and a public address appeal for such behaviour to cease. The Spanish federation could face a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs.

The player said in a post that he is Muslim and that the chant, although aimed at the opposition rather than him personally, was still disrespectful and intolerable. He stressed that not all supporters behaved that way, and that using religion as a taunt shows ignorance and racism.

He added that football should be for enjoyment and support, not for disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe. He thanked those who backed the team and looked ahead to the World Cup.

Williams shared Yamal’s statement via an Instagram story, adding a heart and raised fist emoji. Athletic forward Maroan Sannadi did the same.

Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez also reacted by applauding the message with emojis.

Source: El Correo