Given that this was the final international break before the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Tuesday was supposed to be a celebration for the reigning European champions. Spain hosted Egypt at RCDE Stadium, trading blows in a 0-0 draw as the home fans sent the team off ahead of the major tournament.
Aside from the somewhat disappointing scoreline for Spain, a disconcerting situation emerged during the game that left Lamine Yamal emotionally distraught and wanting to leave the pitch without celebrating with fans in the stadium.
During the game, an anti-Muslim chant made the rounds in the crowd that has sent shockwaves through the soccer world. Yamal, who has Moroccan roots and is Muslim, was hurt by the situation. He was caught on video after the final whistle leaving the pitch relatively quickly, with a somber look.
Lamine Yamal condemns anti-Muslim chants during Spain-Egypt game
Yamal posted a statement after the game that spoke volumes about the situation he witnessed, and how the sport is supposed to be welcoming, not divisive.
I am Muslim, Alhamdulillah. Yesterday in the stadium tere was a chant saying, “whoever doesn’t jump, is a Muslim”. I know it was against the opposing team, but as a Muslim, it is still disrespectful and intolerable. I understand not all the supporters are like that, but for those who chant these things: Using a religion as a way of mocking others in a stadium is ignorant and racist. Football is for enjoyment and for supporting, not for disrespecting other people for who they are and what they believe in. With that said, thank you to all the fans who cam out to support us, we’ll see you at the World Cup.
This all comes at a time where the political climate in the country is tense. Spain’s decision to legalize half a million undocumented migrants has been polarizing, to say the least. A chunk of those migrants come Morocco and other nations in North Africa, representing a growing minority in Spain. It appears politics are spilling into soccer at the moment in the country.
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