Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has said Spain is a tolerant nation and not racist, following Islamophobic chanting during a recent international match.
The incident occurred during Spain’s friendly against Egypt at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella, where sections of the crowd reportedly chanted “whoever doesn’t jump is Muslim.”
Lamine Yamal, the Spain and FC Barcelona forward, who is Muslim, condemned those involved, describing them as “ignorant and racist.”
Responding to the controversy, Arbeloa insisted that while such behaviour must be addressed, it should not define the country. “I think Spain is not a racist country, if it was we would have a problem every weekend at all of the stadiums,” he said.
“I keep thinking we have to eradicate any racist attitude at stadiums, and in society… Spain as a country has to keep fighting to get rid of these attitudes,” he added, while cautioning against generalising.
The issue of racism in Spanish football has been highlighted in recent years by repeated abuse directed at Vinicius Junior, also of Real Madrid, including high-profile incidents involving fans at various stadiums.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, praised Yamal for speaking out, stressing the importance of inclusion and respect. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone, coach of Atletico Madrid, described the issue as part of a broader global decline in respect.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the chants, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the incident as “unacceptable,” stating that a small minority should not tarnish Spain’s image as a diverse and tolerant society.