Jewish community body asks Spain’s FA for strong action over Bernabéu chants

The Federación de Comunidades Judías de España (FCJE) has sent a letter this week to the president of Spain’s football federation, Rafael Louzán, expressing its “deep concern and firm rejection” over antisemitic and anti-Muslim chants allegedly made by a group of young Real Madrid supporters near the Bernabéu before a Champions League match against Inter Milan, as reported by Sport.

Chants the FCJE condemns

In the letter, the FCJE cites lines such as “jew, if I see you, I’ll kick you” and “Spain is Christian and not Muslim.” The group argues that the first is explicitly antisemitic and, in its view, encourages violence against Jewish people. Regarding the second, it says the message is one of exclusion toward Spanish Muslims based on religion or cultural identity.

The FCJE insists these behaviours cannot be attributed to the wider Real Madrid fanbase, saying: “We are fully aware that these actions do not represent the whole Real Madrid crowd.” It then calls for a “clear and decisive” response.

Public stance and prevention

Even though the incident happened in the context of a European competition match, the FCJE believes the RFEF can publicly take a stance against this type of conduct and also encourage clubs to implement measures aimed at preventing further cases of intolerance. The organisation also offers to collaborate in initiatives to tackle antisemitism and any other form of intolerance in sport. The letter is signed by its president, David Obadía Chocrón, Sport adds.