Following a controversial incident involving anti-Muslim chants during a recent friendly match in Barcelona, former LaLiga professional Mohamed Sissoko has publicly urged Spanish national team star Lamine Yamal to critically re-evaluate his future participation with the Spanish national squad.
Sissoko, a 41-year-old former Mali international who previously played for Valencia and Levante in Spain, expressed deep distress over the racist slurs that occurred during Spain’s test match against Egypt. «It deeply pains me that a player of Lamine’s caliber has to endure such an ordeal,» Sissoko stated. «The image Spain projected is not consistent with the country I know. It is utterly shameful, and Lamine absolutely did not deserve to experience that.» He further emphasized: «He had the option to choose Morocco, but he committed to Spain. Yet, he was subjected to what transpired in that game. This is neither just nor logical. Honestly, if I were in Lamine’s position, I would seriously contemplate whether to play for Spain again.»
Yamal, whose father is Moroccan and mother is from Equatorial Guinea, also conveyed his profound shock and dismay. He took to Instagram to share his feelings, writing: «As a Muslim, I find this completely disrespectful and utterly intolerable.»
Lamine Yamal Condemns Racist Behavior
Reports indicate that during the match, Spanish supporters booed the opposing team’s anthem and chanted degrading slogans throughout the first half. Media outlets reported that fans were heard singing: «bote, bote, bote musulman el que no bote» (which translates to: «Jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim»).
Yamal strongly criticized this conduct, posting alongside a black-and-white image of the team entering the field: «I understand that not all fans are of this mindset, but for those who engage in such chanting: making a religion an object of mockery on the football pitch exposes you as ignorant and racist individuals.» He continued: «Football is fundamentally about enjoyment and supporting your team, not about disrespecting people based on their heritage or beliefs.»
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Alongside Yamal and Sissoko, prominent figures including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (who called it «an uncivilized minority damaging Spain’s image»), Justice Minister Felix Bolanos («a disgrace»), the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and national coach Luis de la Fuente have all sharply denounced the events. Law enforcement authorities have already initiated an investigation. Despite the negativity, Yamal concluded his message by thanking «the people who came to cheer us on. See you at the World Cup.»
The friendly match, which was originally slated to take place in Qatar, was relocated to Barcelona due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It served as a preparatory fixture for the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19).