De la Fuente denies racism in Spain ahead of England clash
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente denied that racism exists in his country ahead of Sunday's Nations League match against England in Madrid. His comments came after he was asked about England coach Thomas Tuchel reminding his players of UEFA's anti-racism protocol.
The protocol allows the referee to stop the match and then temporarily send the players off the pitch, with the option of ending the game if the discriminatory behaviour continues. Tuchel said he did not expect any racist incidents during the match and had explained the protocol to his players in case anything happened.
England's match in Madrid in 2004 was previously marred by racist chants against its players. The report also noted other incidents in Spanish football, including anti-Muslim and anti-foreigner chants during a friendly between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona last month, and the 2024 conviction of three Valencia fans for racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior.
England player Declan Rice condemned racism in football, recalling similar experiences in Montenegro and Bulgaria, where the protocol was applied and players left the pitch.
Speaking about playing styles, De la Fuente said he preferred the Spanish model. He felt that each national team's players were suited to their team's approach, and that Spain and England could not simply adopt each other's style. He also praised Spain's recent achievements, including its victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, and said teams had become more eager to beat his side.
De la Fuente expressed surprise at the lower prices of Spanish players compared with what is paid in England, while leaving open his decision on whether Lamine Yamal would start. He stressed that the player would be ready if selected.