Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has issued a strong statement condemning discriminatory chants directed at him during a recent friendly match.
The 18-year-old addressed the incident following Spain’s 0-0 draw with Egypt on March 31, which took place at RCDE Stadium. The chants, which referenced religion in a derogatory manner, have since prompted a police investigation and condemnation from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the national team coaching staff.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Yamal’s statement directly confronted the behavior, with the player emphasizing his identity and the harm caused. “I am Muslim, alhamdulillah. Yesterday in the stadium, the chant ‘the one who doesn’t boo is Muslim’ was heard. I know it was aimed at the rival team and it wasn’t something against me but as a Muslim, it doesn’t stop being a lack of respect and something intolerable,” Yamal said. He went on to describe the use of religion as a joke in a stadium setting as “ignorant and racist.”
The young forward concluded by reaffirming football’s role as a space for unity and support, thanking the fans who showed respect.