SPAIN STAR LAMINE YAMAL CONDEMNS 'INTOLERABLE' ANTI-MUSLIM CHANTS IN EGYPT DRAW AS POLICE LAINCH INVESTIGATION

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Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has condemned the "intolerable" anti-Muslim chants that marred Spain’s goalless draw with Egypt at the RCDE Stadium. The 18-year-old, who is a practising Muslim, labelled the perpetrators "ignorant" and "racist" after local police launched a formal investigation. 

Police investigation launched

Per ESPN, the Mossos, a local strand of police in Barcelona, have confirmed a probe into "Islamophobic and xenophobic" chanting that occurred during Tuesday’s international friendly. Spectators aimed derogatory songs at the visiting side while also whistling during the Egyptian national anthem and halftime prayers. Although the chants were not specifically directed at Yamal, the teenage winger was deeply affected by the hostile atmosphere, and has taken to social media to vent his disgust.

Yamal issues statement

Taking to Instagram to address the situation, Yamal reaffirmed his faith and expressed his disappointment at the lack of respect shown toward his religion. The Spain star posted: "I am Muslim, Alhamdulillah. Yesterday at the stadium the chant of 'the one who doesn't jump is a Muslim' was heard. I know I was going for the rival team and it wasn't something personal against me, but as a Muslim person it doesn't stop being disrespectful and something intolerable. I understand that not all fanatics are like this, but to those who sing these things: using a religion as a mockery in a field leaves you ignorant and racist people. Football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in. With that being said, thank you to the people who came to cheer us on, see you at the World Cup."

Catalonia sports minister speaks out

Catalonia’s sports minister, Berni Alvarez, has echoed Yamal's sentiments, describing the events as a "massive step backwards" for Spanish football while pledging to support the Barcelona forward.

He told reporters: "It's normal that he's affected by what happened. We will try and support him if we can make contact with him. What happened was deplorable. It's an extremely serious issue which we absolutely condemn. It's a massive step backwards. The sensation is everything had been planned. Those chanting came to the game to spout hate speech. I doubt many of those involved had any connection to the world of sport. The reaction arrived late and was not sufficient."

Espanyol unhappy with 'smear campaign'

Meanwhile, Barca's La Liga rivals Espanyol, who play their home games at the RCDE Stadium, have issued their own statement condemning the scenes in Tuesday's game, but have also insisted that no blame should be attributed to their fanbase.

"RCD Espanyol also wish to express our deep displeasure at the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has been targeted against our fans in the past few hours," the statement read. "It is worth remembering that the match, organised by the RFEF, brought together supporters of the Spain national team from very diverse geographical and footballing backgrounds. Therefore, it is profoundly unfair, excessive, and disproportionate to attribute these behaviours to the RCDE Espanyol fanbase, which, throughout its more than 125-year history, has been characterised by its diversity, respect, and commitment to the values ​​of sport.

"The club do not and will not accept having their reputation called into question by the isolated actions of a small group of people who represent neither the club nor our fanbase. RCD Espanyol emphasise our firm commitment to the fight against all forms of discrimination, and will continue working to ensure that the RCDE Stadium remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful place for everyone."

Potential FIFA sanctions

A source has told ESPN that Spain could face potential FIFA sanctions, which could overshadow their 2026 World Cup campaign as they prepare to compete in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. The RFEF must now address these issues while prioritising Yamal’s welfare before the squad travels to North America for their opening fixtures.

- Adhe Makayasa

PEP GUARDIOLA SAYS TREATMENT OF IMMIGRANTS A 'BIG PROBLEM' AFTER SIR JIM RATCLIFFE CONTROVERSY

The Man City boss has spoken out following controversial comments from Man Utd’s co-owner

‘BIG PROBLEM’: PEP GUARDIOLA CALLED ON PEOPLE TO ‘EMBRACE OTHER CULTURES’

Pep Guardiola has called for people to “embrace other cultures” to make a “better society” in light of controversial comments from Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe about immigration.

Ratcliffe this week sparked controversy by claiming the UK had been “colonised” by immigrants.

The Red Devils minority owner has since apologised for offending “some people” with his “choice of language”, which Guardiola acknowledged, but the Manchester City manager expressed that he feels the wider issue of how countries treat immigrants remains a “big problem”.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of his side’s FA Cup clash with Salford City, Guardiola said: “I have a huge appreciation for Sir Jim. I was fortunate to meet him. He made a statement after to apologise.

“I’m not commenting on what Sir Jim Ratcliffe said because after that he said what exactly he wanted to say, but all around the world the problem that we have in all the countries [is that] we treat immigrants or people who come from other countries as the problem for problems that our countries have and it is a big, big, big, big, big problem.

He continued: “The fact that I am a Catalan and you are British – what influence did we have on where we were born? It was mum and dad.

“Everybody wants to have a better life and a perspective to have a better future for themselves, their families and their friends, and sometimes opportunities come in the place where you are born and the place that maybe you go.

“Before it was so difficult to travel, but today in one hour you can be everywhere. Today the colour of the skin or where you were born doesn’t make a difference. We have a lot of work to do about that.

“It doesn’t make me feel that because I am Catalan I am better than you. My education when I was born and travelled in Mexico and Qatar or lived in Italy or England or Germany, that is just the benefit of my personality.

“I met incredibly nice people travelling and that is what it is about, but it doesn’t make me feel better just for the fact I was born in one place or the other one. Most people are running away from countries because of problems in their countries, not because they want to leave. As much as we embrace other cultures – truly, truly embrace it – that will be a better society.”

Ratcliffe’s comments in a Sky News interview on Wednesday drew criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, among other political leaders.

It is understood that Ratcliffe’s claims will also be examined by the Football Association to see whether they brought the game into disrepute, while on Thursday afternoon United issued a statement saying the club take pride in being “inclusive and welcoming”.

It read: “Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.

“Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.

“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign.”

In an apology issued earlier that day, Ratcliffe had said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”

- ALEX DAKERS

SIR JIM 'XENOPHOBIC' RATCLIFFE MEME