Esquerra Republicana (ERC) has formally urged Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni to prohibit the installation of giant screens for the upcoming World Cup. This request follows a recent Spain-Egypt football match at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà. Widespread racist chants at that game sparked outrage and raised concerns about public safety.

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ERC’s Call for Action

Elisenda Alamany, president of the ERC group and a candidate for the 2027 elections, presented the motion to the Ajuntament. She stated, “In Barcelona, we cannot have images like those from yesterday in Cornellà at every ‘La Roja’ match during the World Cup.” Alamany added, “These events do not represent who we are, and we cannot allow this to be the image Barcelona transmits to the world.”

The party specifically cited “security problems or possible racist incidents” that could “damage” the city’s international reputation. Mayor Collboni condemned the chants as an “intolerable shame” on Wednesday morning. He lamented that the match should have been stopped.

Widespread Condemnation

Significant sections of the crowd chanted racist insults, including “Muslim who does not jump,” during the Spain-Egypt game. Despite requests for respect over stadium loudspeakers and scoreboards, the referee did not halt play. Additionally, other officials voiced strong disapproval.

Berni Álvarez, the Sports Councillor, called for the activation of anti-racism protocols. Sílvia Paneque, the Government Spokesperson, added, “It goes against the values of sport.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also tweeted a call for such incidents “not to be repeated.” He noted Spain as a “plural and tolerant” country. RCD Espanyol, the stadium owner, “energetically” condemned the chants, asking that they not be attributed to their entire fanbase.

Police Investigation Underway

The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police force, have launched an investigation into the racist insults. Councillor Álvarez confirmed this development. The Barcelona City Council now faces the decision regarding the giant screens for the World Cup. Public safety and the city’s image remain at the forefront of this debate.

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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.