Lamine Yamal responds to Islamophobic chants during Spain-Egypt – ‘Those chanting are ignorant and racist’

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has responded to Islamophobic chants that took place during Spain’s 0-0 draw against Egypt on Tuesday night. The 18-year-old played the first half of the game, before coming off at the break, and cut disconsolate figure on the bench.

On three occasions, loud chants of ‘Who doesn’t jump is Muslim’ throughout the game, which overshadowed the game at the RCDE Stadium. Lamine Yamal left the pitch on his own while his teammates carried out a lap of honour. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente condemned the chants after the game.

Lamine Yamal responds to chants on Instagram

The following afternoon, Lamine Yamal took to Instagram to express his upset, describing those who were chanting as ignorant and racist.

I am a Muslim, alhamdulillah.

Yesterday at the stadium, the chant “whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim” was heard. I know it was directed at the opposing team and wasn’t personal against me, but as a Muslim, it’s still disrespectful and intolerable.

I understand that not all fans are like that, but to those who chant these things: using a religion as a taunt on the field makes you ignorant and racist. Football is for enjoying and cheering, not for disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe.

That said, thank you to everyone who came to support us, see you at the World Cup.

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Espanyol release statement on chants

In the meantime, the Catalan police have opened an investigation into the incidents. In the aftermath, Espanyol have released a statement on the matter. They condemn all racist chanting, describing them as abhorrent and unacceptable. However they also express their disappointment in what they refer to as a gratuitous campaign to damage the reputation of the Espanyol fans, pointing out that the fans at the stadium were Spain fans, and formed of many different teams rather than just Espanyol.

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