The Spain-Egypt match witnessed a deplorable incident when fans at the RCDE Stadium directed racist chants against Muslims.
This match marked the first time the Spanish national team had played in Catalonia in many years, at the home ground of Espanyol.
Around the middle of the first half, in the 23rd minute, racist chants were heard from the fans, with some chanting “If you don’t jump, you’re a Muslim,” according to Cadena COPE radio.
Spanish newspapers described the incident as appalling and unacceptable. The intensity of the chants caused concern among the journalists present that the referee might invoke the anti-racism protocol.
This incident should not be ignored, and FIFA may be forced to intervene and impose sanctions on the Spanish fans, including bans from attending matches.
