Official uproar... Catalan police launch investigation into insult against the Egyptian national team

The Spanish newspaper El Periódico reported on Wednesday that the Catalan police are investigating anti-Islamic and anti-foreigner chants that were heard during the match between Spain and Egypt.

Before kick-off on Monday evening, whilst the Egyptian national anthem was being played, a group of fans chanted racist slogans such as “Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim”, referring to the Egyptian players, and these chants were repeated several times during the first half.

During the half-time break, the anti-racism protocol was activated, with the stadium management issuing a warning via the main screen about the consequences of the incident, stressing that it could lead to sanctions from FIFA.

According to police sources, an investigation has been launched in accordance with the applicable protocols on hate crimes and discrimination.

The newspaper reported: “Investigators are analysing CCTV footage inside and outside the stadium to determine the source of the chants and the identity of those responsible.”

It continued: “Coordination has also taken place with the technical committee of the Spanish Football Federation and security personnel to identify the area where the incident occurred, alongside monitoring activity on social media to detect any prior incitement, although no findings have been reached so far.”

Although the involvement of organised groups is not considered likely, “the investigations included a review of accounts linked to far-right groups to check for any possible connection”, according to the same newspaper.

Read also: Because of Messi and Salah... US league commissioner mocks Egypt’s national team manager 

Read also: Alarming warnings... US strikes fear into World Cup guests

Read also: A precious gift for Europe’s elite… Will Real Madrid snatch Koparsi’s partner?

At the same time, the Catalan police confirmed that a criminal investigation had been opened, overseen by the General Commission for Information, in coordination with the Hate and Discrimination Prosecutor’s Office, the body responsible for determining whether the incidents constitute a hate crime.

In parallel, an administrative investigation is being conducted under Law 19/2007, which regulates spectator behaviour at sporting events, with the Directorate-General for Security Administration having the power to impose disciplinary measures.

The authorities clarified that the two tracks – criminal and administrative – operate independently whilst coordinating with one another, meaning that administrative proceedings may continue even if no criminal case is established, given the differing standards of punishment and the ability to address discriminatory behaviour.

Read also: From the bottom of the qualifiers to the World Cup... Sweden makes history with a Nations League miracle

Read also: Video: Turkey returns to the World Cup after a 24-year absence... and Gokiris dashes Lewandowski’s dream

The incident sparked widespread official reactions, with Sports Minister Bernie Alvarez and Equality Minister Eva Minoru both condemning the chants, describing them as “unacceptable”.

Alvarez also considered that the protocols had been activated too late, stressing the need to deal “firmly” with what he described as a “dangerous” episode.

Scandal ahead of the 2030 World Cup: Shame haunts Spain and global condemnation following the disaster of the Egypt match

For his part, the Catalan government’s representative, Carlos Breito, strongly condemned what had happened, stating that the sporting event had been “shamefully tainted by racist chants”, and emphasising that “there is no place for racism” and that such incidents “must not be repeated”.

Brieto noted that the match organisers had been informed of the need to activate the appropriate protocols, which had indeed been done, emphasising that the only possible response was “firmness, rejection and a clear defence of the values of respect, coexistence and dignity”.