Yamal posted his response on Instagram
Lamine Yamal has taken to Instagram to condemn alleged ‘anti-muslim’ chants that could be heard from sections of Spain’s fans during his nation’s clash with Egypt.
Per the Athletic, videos taken live during the international friendly appeared to show: “Fans jumping and heard singing: ‘bote, bote, bote musulman el que no bote’, which translates to ‘jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim'”
Following the incident, an announcement is reported to have been made in the stadium that requested supporters refrain from the use of racist, homophobic or xenophobic chants.
Spain’s on-field opponents were representing the majority-Islamic nation of Egypt, and Lamine Yamal, the most high-profile player within the home lineup, is himself a practicing Muslim.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Lamine Yamal adressed the situation for the first time:
[Translated from Spanish] “Yesterday at the stadium the chant of “the one who doesn’t jump is a Muslim” was heard.
“I know I was going for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me, but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.
“I understand that not all fans are like this, but to those who sing these things: using a religion as a mockery in a field leaves you ignorant and racist people.
“Football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in.
“With that being said, thank you to the people who came to cheer us on, see you at the World Cup.”
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