Arbeloa Defends Spain Amid Islamophobic Chants Against Lamine Yamal

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Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has rejected claims that Spain is a racist country. He spoke out after Islamophobic chants disrupted an international friendly at the RCDE stadium. Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s return to LaLiga action against Celta Vigo, Arbeloa said the behaviour of a few fans does not reflect Spanish society. He described Spain as a tolerant nation and called for continued efforts to eradicate racist attitudes. During the friendly, a section of supporters chanted “Who doesn’t jump is a Muslim” at Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and the Egyptian team. In protest, Yamal skipped the traditional farewell lap and released a statement condemning the abuse. Local police have opened a criminal hate crime investigation using stadium CCTV. Spain’s Justice Minister also labelled the chants an embarrassment as the country works to eliminate stadium bigotry ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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