The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has strongly condemned racist incidents caused by a small group of spectators in the stands of Espanyol’s stadium in Barcelona during the friendly match between the Egyptian and Spanish national teams.
These racist acts “will in no way affect the close relations between the Egyptian and Spanish federations,” the Egyptian body stressed in a statement issued on Wednesday following the friendly encounter that was marred by several racist chants.
Hostile chants targeting Muslims were heard from the very first minutes of the game, recurring throughout the first half and after the break.
Stadium management intervened via the public address system, urging supporters to stop any racist or discriminatory chanting.
A message also appeared on the giant screens reminding fans that such behaviour is punishable by law under the anti-racism protocol.
These warnings were met with boos of disapproval from parts of the Spanish crowd, according to Egyptian media reports.
In its statement, the Egyptian Football Association expressed its “total condemnation of this vile racist incident” during the friendly match.
It denounced the behaviour of fans who uttered racist slogans and also condemned the lack of respect shown towards the national anthem, describing it as a negative phenomenon that must be eradicated from stadiums.
The statement welcomed the strong expressions of rejection and condemnation from the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the Spanish Ministry of Sports, as well as numerous Spanish officials and players.
The Egyptian federation emphasised that these isolated acts do not undermine the solid relations between the two countries.
It praised the warm welcome extended to the Egyptian delegation in Barcelona and the facilities provided.
Egypt, it added, will remain open to Spanish football representatives and to nationals of all friendly countries.
Spanish police announced the opening of an investigation into the Islamophobic chants heard during the match.
The Pharaohs and La Roja drew 0-0 in the friendly played at the end of the March international break.
The encounter formed part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which both teams have already secured qualification.
AK/te/Sf/lb/jn/APA