Yamal condemns chants in Spain's game against Egypt

Spain's Dean Huijsen, right, challenges for the ball with Egypt's Zizo during the international friendly soccer match between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona, Spain. (AP)

MADRID, April 1(AP) - Spain star Lamine Yamal on Wednesday condemned the anti-Muslim chants made by Spanish fans during a friendly soccer game in the latest incident to dent the nation’s sporting image.

The Spanish government and the soccer federation also condemned the chants, and police said they were investigating fan behavior during Tuesday's game between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona.

Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants made by some of the fans at RCDE Stadium were disrespectful and intolerable. He said it didn't matter that the chants were not directed at him personally.

"I understand that not all fans are like that, but to those who chant these things: Using a religion as a taunt on the field makes you look ignorant and racist,” he wrote on Instagram. "Football is for enjoying and cheering, not for disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe."

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also condemned the anti-Muslim chants after the game, which was part of the team's preparations for the World Cup.

"I feel total and absolute repulsion towards any xenophobic or racist attitudes," he said. "They are intolerable.”

The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

The Egyptian Football Association decried the anti-Muslim chants, calling them a "reprehensible racist act.” It also condemned the lack of respect shown when the nation's anthem was played before the match.