Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal controls the ball during the international friendly football match between Spain and Egypt at RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, near Barcelona. AFP
“I am Muslim, and thank God,” Yamal said on his Instagram account.
“Yesterday in the stadium, chants of ‘whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim’ were heard. I know they were aimed at the opposing team and not at me personally, but as a Muslim, I consider this behavior inappropriate and unacceptable.”
The comments follow an international friendly between Egypt and Spain, where offensive chants were reported from the stands.
Yamal said he understood that not all supporters shared such views, but criticized those involved.
“I understand that not all fans are like this, but for those who chant such things, using religion as a way to mock others in the stadium reflects ignorance and racism,” he said.
“Football is for enjoyment and support, not for insulting people because of their identity or beliefs.”
He nevertheless thanked supporters who attended the match.
“Despite that, I thank everyone who came to support us, and I will see you at the World Cup,” he added.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente condemned the chants on Wednesday, while Spanish police said they were investigating what they described as “Islamophobic and xenophobic” behavior.
The Egyptian Football Association also condemned the incidents, praising the response of Spanish authorities and players.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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