Video: Yamal condemns anti-muslim chants at Spain-Egypt match
Abdullateef Fowewe
Barcelona star, Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old practicing Muslim forward for Spain’s national team, has condemned anti-muslim chant by some fans during Spain’s friendly match against Egypt on March 31, 2026, at RCDE Stadium.
The chants—“the one who doesn’t boo is Muslim”—targeted the rival Egyptian supporters but drew sharp criticism from Yamal, who emphasised their inherent disrespect.
“I am Muslim, alhamdulillah,” he began.
“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,” he wrote.
Yamal acknowledged that not everyone in the crowd participated, but he had harsh words for those who did, “I understand that not all the fans are like that but to those who sing these things: using a religion as a joke in a stadium makes you look like ignorant and racist people.”
He called for football to remain a space of positivity, stating, “Football is for enjoying it and cheering, not for disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe in.”
Yamal wrapped up on an uplifting note, thanking supportive fans, “That said, thanks to the people who came to cheer us on, see you at the World Cup.”
Spain won the match 2-1, with Yamal assisting a goal.
