Father of Spain's Rising Star Breaks Silence on Islamophobic Chants at Spain-Egypt Friendly
2 April 2026
What happened during the match
In an international friendly between Spain and Egypt, a chorus of Islamophobic chants marred the occasion. Monir Yamal, father of Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal, condemned the behavior and urged respect for all faiths.
The goalless draw was played at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, and some Spanish fans directed insults toward Muslims, including chants echoing a line about not jumping and being Muslim.
Responses and messages
Spanish football authorities — including the Spanish Football Federation and the Ministry of Sport — condemned the incident and called for dignity on and off the pitch.
During a live Instagram cooking stream, Monir delivered a calm, inclusive message: Long live Spain, long live Muslims, Christians, Jews, and everyone alike. What is your problem?
He closed with a clear reminder: If you respect, you will be respected, a call for empathy and coexistence.
Lamine Yamal's family later confirmed that, while the chants targeted the opponent, as a Muslim he found the behavior disrespectful and unacceptable; Lamine himself also commented publicly on Instagram.
The clash has renewed the debate about racism in football and the responsibility of fans and clubs to foster a welcoming environment.
Punchlines: In football, if your chants need a referee, maybe your jokes are offside. If your plan is to score points with contempt, try another sport—this arena is for drama, not discrimination.
