Espanyol issue statement after Spain fans’ chants that angered Lamine Yamal anger
This week has been marked by a discrimination incident involving Spain. In the match against Egypt, fans chanted a song, which led Lamine Yamal to post a strong statement after his religion was targeted. It was also time for Espanyol to defend itself.
The match was played at RCDE Stadium, home of Espanyol. Criticism spread everywhere, from the country as a whole to those who pointed at the Espanyol fans as the only ones singing. Many also speculated that the chants against Muslims were aimed at Yamal, something the club condemned.
The statement read: “RCD Espanyol also wishes to express its deep displeasure at the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has targeted our fans in the past few hours. It is worth remembering that the match, organized by the RFEF, brought together supporters of the Spain national team from very diverse geographical and footballing backgrounds.”
It then addressed the criticism the club received: “Therefore, it is profoundly unfair, excessive, and disproportionate to attribute these behaviors to the RCDE Espanyol fanbase, which, throughout its more than 125-year history, has been characterized by its diversity, respect, and commitment to the values of sport. The club does not and will not accept having its reputation called into question by the isolated actions of a small group of people who represent neither the club nor our fanbase.”
Egypt will not complain about Spain to FIFA
The unfortunate act by the Spanish fans mainly affected the Egyptian team. This has led to criticism from different sides, with Egypt being the most important voice as the one targeted by discrimination.
While the Egyptian embassy released a statement condemning these acts, the federation also issued a long communication expressing its thoughts. The curious thing is that it will not file a formal complaint.
The report said: “The Egyptian Football Federation wants to emphasize that what happened by a minority of fans in the stands at Espanyol’s stadium will not affect in any way the strong relationship between the Egyptian and Spanish football federations.”