Fans of the Spanish national football team shouted anti-Muslim chants during a friendly match against Egypt.
Even before the start of the match, when the Egyptian anthem was played, the Spanish fans accompanied it with loud whistling and chanting “If you don't jump, you're a Muslim.”
During halftime, an announcement appeared on screens around the stadium urging fans to refrain from xenophobic remarks and insults. This message was also repeated by the announcer working the match.
Advertisements at the stadium during the match between Spain and Egypt. REUTERS/Albert Gea
The Royal Spanish Football Federation responded to the incident on its social media, condemning the actions of its fans.
“The RFEF joins our football's call against racism and condemns any manifestations of violence in stadiums,” the statement said.
After the match, Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente also condemned the fans' actions. According to the coach, the people who shouted anti-Muslim slogans have nothing to do with football, but are using it for their own purposes.
“I categorically condemn any manifestations of xenophobia or racism – it is absolutely unacceptable. I don't know how exactly this is stipulated by the protocol, but I believe that the decision to display the message on the board and make the announcement was the right one.”
“Those who [chanted] are shameful, and the majority [in the stadium] booed them. There's nothing more to say. They are not representatives of football. They enjoy football, as they do in other areas of life. They need to be separated from society – the further, the better,” said Luis de la Fuente.
This is not the first time that Spain fans have been accused of racism. For example, in August 2025, during a Nations League match against France, they also shouted insults at opposing players, including striker Kylian Mbappe.
It is worth noting that in the match against Egypt, the Spanish national team included a football player who professes Islam — Lamine Yamal. In general, the current European champions have several players who are zealous Muslims.