“Ignorant and racist”: Yamal lashes out at fans over chants against Muslims

Barcelona and Spain star, Lamine Yamal has expressed his anger at the behaviour of La Roja’s fans during Tuesday evening’s friendly against Egypt, played in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Spain played out a 0-0 draw with Egypt on Tuesday night, with the game disrupted by some chants made by fans. The match witnessed scenes described by the Spanish press as “shameful”, when Spanish fans chanted insults against Islam.

Fans were repeatedly caught saying during the match, “Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim”.

The Spanish Football Federation, Espanyol FC and the Spanish government condemned these actions and launched an investigation to hold the offenders to account.

Yamal posted a message on his social media accounts, expressing his anger at those who chanted these slogans and describing them as “ignorant” and “racist”.

The Barcelona star, who was substituted at half-time, said: “I am a Muslim, praise be to God. Yesterday, I heard chants in the stadium saying: ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim’. I know these chants were directed at the opposing team and not at me personally, but as a Muslim, this is considered disrespectful and unacceptable.”

Lamine Yamal competes for the ball with Mostafa Shobeir of Egypt during an international friendly match between Spain and Egypt at RCDE Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Omar Arnau/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

He added, “I realise that not all fans are like that, but to those who chant such things: using religion as a means of mockery makes you look ignorant and racist.”

Yamal continued: “Football is meant to be enjoyed and cheered on, not to insult others because of their identity or beliefs. Finally, I would like to thank the fans who came to support us, and we’ll see you at the World Cup.”