Barcelona forward criticize fans behavior in Spain’s friendly

Lamine Yamal has condemned racist and Islamophobic abuse directed at Egypt during Spain’s 0-0 friendly draw on Tuesday, describing the chants as “disrespectful and intolerable.” 

The match, played in Barcelona, was overshadowed by incidents in the crowd, prompting widespread criticism from players and officials.

Authorities in Spain have launched an investigation into what they described as “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants heard during the first half at the RCDE Stadium. 

In response, a message was displayed on the stadium screens at half-time urging supporters to refrain from discriminatory behaviour, though it was met with mixed reactions from sections of the crowd.

Yamal, who is a practising Muslim, addressed the incident on social media after the match. 

While acknowledging that the chants were aimed at the opposing team rather than him personally, the 18-year-old winger stressed that such behaviour remains unacceptable. 

He said using religion as a taunt reflects ignorance and racism, adding that football should be a space for unity and enjoyment, not discrimination.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation also issued a strong statement condemning the abuse. 

It reiterated its stance against racism in football and called for greater efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination from stadiums.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente described the chants as “intolerable,” warning that such behaviour has no place in society. 

He urged authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they are removed from football environments, emphasizing the need for stronger action against offenders.

The friendly itself ended goalless, with Spain making several changes to the side that defeated Serbia days earlier. 

Egypt were without key forward Mohamed Salah due to injury, while the result saw Spain relinquish their position at the top of the world rankings.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal will shift attention to the La Liga, where he and his Barcelona team will look to see out the league season ahead of rivals Real Madrid.