Manel Hernández, spokesperson for 'Barcelona con la selección', has denied that his group sold or managed the 1,900 tickets in the sectors where racist chants originated during the Spain-Egypt match. The association states the RFEF handled sales and chants occurred in multiple areas of RCDE Stadium. Cornellà's city council condemns the incidents and police are investigating.
On Tuesday, during the friendly Spain-Egypt match at RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat, a group of fans chanted islamophobic slogans like “musulmán el que no bote” and booed the Egyptian anthem. Prior reports claimed 'Barcelona con la selección' bought nearly 1,900 tickets in sectors 108, 109, and 110, where the chants started.
Manel Hernández, founder and spokesperson of the platform since 2016 and an Espanyol fan, categorically denies this. “Fue la Federación quien gestionó la venta de entradas. Nosotros no las vendimos,” he states in an interview. He explains they gathered a list of fans interested in the RFEF-assigned animation stand, which then provided an official link for individual purchases requiring name, email, and DNI.
The group insists no members took part in the chants, which go against their values, and that they were heard in various stadium areas, not just theirs. They reiterate their apolitical stance, distancing from any party, including Vox.
Cornellà's city council has “rotundamente” condemned the incidents and regrets the city's stigmatization. Mayor Antonio Balmón stresses they do not represent residents. Mossos d’Esquadra are investigating with the Hate and Discrimination Prosecutor's Office whether they constitute a hate crime.
