Spain international Lamine Yamal has spoken out against the "intolerable" Islamophobic chanting heard during his side’s friendly match against Egypt on Tuesday night.
The Barcelona winger appeared visibly distressed by the chants heard at the RCDE Stadium in his home city.
Spain's football federation (RFEF) swiftly condemned the actions, while Catalan regional police confirmed they have launched an investigation into the incident.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Yamal shared his dismay. "I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is a Muslim’ was heard," he wrote.
“I know I was playing 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.
Yamal continued: "I understand not all fans are like this, but to those who sing these things, using a religion as a mockery on the field makes you ignorant and racist people."
He concluded by stating, "football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in."
The match was played under the jurisdiction of Fifa, the global governing body for football, which is now awaiting official reports from those present before determining whether to take further action.
Tuesday’s friendly, played between two teams who had already qualified for this summer’s World Cup, ended in a goalless draw.
Euro 2024 champions Spain were unable to find a breakthrough despite playing the closing stages of the game against 10 men after Hamdy Fathy was sent off with six minutes remaining.
The two sides will now turn their attention towards the World Cup, with Spain set to face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H, while Egypt have been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.
