The 'Barcelona con la selección' fan group bought nearly 1,900 discounted tickets in the sectors where islamophobic chants began during the Spain-Egypt friendly in Cornellà. Lamine Yamal, a Muslim player on the national team, condemned the insults as 'intolerable' and racist. Police authorities have opened investigations to identify those responsible.
On Tuesday, during the Spain-Egypt friendly at RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat, a section of the stands started islamophobic chants like 'Muslim is who doesn't jump', which spread to the rest of the stadium. These occurred around the 10th minute of the first half and at other times, according to reports.
The 'Barcelona con la selección' animation group, self-described as apolitical, bought nearly 1,900 tickets at a 40% discount for Espanyol members in sectors 108, 109, and 110 of the south end. They tried to enter with professional cameras, flag masts, and megaphones but were rejected by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). A group spokesperson denied direct ticket purchases and said they only shared a link provided by the Federation.
Lamine Yamal, FC Barcelona and national team player, reacted on Instagram: 'I am Muslim, alhamdulillah. [...] Using a religion as mockery on a pitch makes you ignorant and racist people'. The RFEF, through president Rafael Louzán, condemned the chants as an 'isolated incident'.
The Mossos d'Esquadra, via their General Information Commissariat, are investigating in coordination with the Hate and Discrimination Prosecutor's Office to determine if they constitute a hate crime. Videos, images, and social media are being analyzed. Possible administrative sanctions under Law 18/2007 or FIFA disciplinary measures are also under review. The Government, PP, and Irene Montero condemned the events; Vox did not, according to sources.
