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Catalan Police Probe Islamophobic Chants at SpainEgypt Friendly in Barcelona

The case puts fresh scrutiny on Spanish football’s record on racism before the World Cup.

Overview

  • Catalonia’s Mossos d’Esquadra said Wednesday they opened an investigation into anti-Muslim and xenophobic chanting during Spain’s 0-0 draw with Egypt on Tuesday at RCDE Stadium.
  • Parts of the crowd jeered Egypt’s national anthem and chanted “Musulmán el que no bote,” which translates as “If you’re not jumping, you’re a Muslim.”
  • Stadium officials posted a halftime warning on the big screens and over the PA to stop racist remarks, then repeated it early in the second half as some fans whistled.
  • Lamine Yamal, a practicing Muslim, wrote on Instagram that the chant was disrespectful and intolerable, and Catalonia’s sports minister said the 18-year-old was affected.
  • Spain’s federation, coach Luis de la Fuente and government ministers condemned the behavior, and FIFA is reviewing official reports to determine if disciplinary action against Spain is warranted.