Spanish police probe anti-Muslim chants at Spain–Egypt friendly as RFEF faces fresh anti-racism test

Catalonia’s regional police force has launched an investigation into “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants heard during Spain’s 0-0 friendly draw with Egypt at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium on March 31, increasing pressure on Spanish football authorities to tighten stadium controls and sanctions ahead of major tournament hosting.“We are investigating yesterday’s Islamophobic and xenophobic chants at RCDE Stadium during the Spain-Egypt friendly match,” the Mossos d’Esquadra wrote on X.The incident prompted in-stadium interventions, with a warning message displayed on the big screen at half-time and repeated early in the second half, alongside public-address announcements urging supporters to stop xenophobic remarks and chanting.Some sections of the crowd whistled in response to the warnings, according to multiple reports, underlining the challenge facing organisers as Spain ramps up operational planning and stakeholder management for future international events.The Spanish Football Federation condemned the chants in a public statement, posting on social media: “The RFEF stands against racism in football and condemns any act of violence inside stadiums.”Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called the behaviour “intolerable” and urged authorities to identify those responsible. “Violent people use football to carve out a space for themselves,” he said, adding: “They must be removed from society, identified, and kept as far away as possible.”The match in Cornella de Llobregat, on the edge of Barcelona, had originally been scheduled to take place in Qatar but was moved to Spain due to conflict and logistical concerns linked to the war in the Middle East.The relocation placed additional scrutiny on match operations and security planning, with the friendly effectively serving as a high-profile rehearsal event in a major Spanish market months before Spain’s next competition cycle and in the run-up to its hosting role at the 2030 World Cup.On the pitch, Spain failed to score despite heavy possession, while Egypt were without injured Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.The 0-0 draw also cost Spain top spot in the world rankings, adding an unwanted sporting subplot to a fixture already overshadowed by crowd behaviour.