Police investigate ‘Islamophobic and xenophobic’ chants by Spain fans against Egypt
Chants made during friendly against Egypt in Barcelona
Spain’s coach and justice minister condemn behaviour
Catalonia’s regional police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, are investigating “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants heard during Spain’s friendly against Egypt in Barcelona on Tuesday. The Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente condemned “xenophobic or racist attitudes” after fans repeatedly made anti-Muslim chants and on Wednesday Spain’s justice minister, Félix Bolaños, also spoke out against what happened.
Egypt’s national anthem was jeered before the 0-0 draw in a pre-World Cup friendly and authorities at the RCDE Stadium appealed to fans more than once over the PA system to refrain from making offensive comments. An anti-discrimination message was displayed on screen inside the stadium.
