Yamal hits back, claims ridiculing faith is a sign of bigotry and ignorance

Lamine Yamal, a Spain international, has condemned the anti-Muslim chants that marred his country's goalless draw with Egypt, labeling the incident as "disrespectful" and "intolerable".

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Yamal, a 18-year-old Barcelona player, took to Instagram to address the chants, which were audible inside the RCDE Stadium during the first half of Tuesday's friendly in Barcelona.

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The Barcelona teenager recounted the specifics of the chants, stating "Yesterday at the stadium the chant of 'the one who doesn’t jump is a Muslim' was heard".

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Yamal, a practicing Muslim, emphasized that the chants were "disrespectful and something intolerable", despite acknowledging that they were not directed personally at him.

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He clarified that such behavior does not represent all supporters, but crosses a line, saying "I understand that not all fanatics are like this, but to those who sing these things: using a religion as a mockery in a field leaves you ignorant and racist people".

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Yamal expressed his belief that football should be enjoyed and encouraged, rather than used to disrespect people for their beliefs or identity, stating "Football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in".

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He concluded his message by thanking supporters who came to cheer the team, ending with "See you at the World Cup".

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Authorities have launched an investigation into the chants, which occurred during the match against Egypt, a predominantly Muslim nation.