Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal was deeply affected by anti-Muslim chants during his country's goalless draw with Egypt in Barcelona. The 18-year-old Muslim player, despite not being the target of the abuse, felt the impact as fans sang "Musulmán el que no bote" during Tuesday's friendly match at RCDE Stadium. Yamal, born in Barcelona to a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, has represented Spain from an early age.

Catalan sports minister Berni Álvarez confirmed Yamal's emotional distress while condemning the "deplorable" behavior. Local police and FIFA are investigating the Islamophobic chants, with Spain potentially facing sanctions from world football's governing body. The Royal Spanish Football Federation and Catalan Football Federation received criticism for their delayed response, with Álvarez demanding stronger action.

Espanyol club officials distanced themselves from the incidents, calling it a "smear campaign" against their fanbase. The RCDE Stadium has hosted international matches for nearly 17 years without prior incidents, highlighting the isolated nature of Tuesday's disturbing behavior. Authorities vow to identify those responsible and take "forceful action" against the perpetrators, while affirming their commitment to making stadiums inclusive environments.