De la Fuente claims ‘no racism’ in Spain before England showdown

MADRID: Luis de la Fuente insisted on Saturday Spain did not have a racism problem ahead of his team’s Nations League showdown with England despite an upcoming stadium punishment for anti-Muslim chanting earlier this year.

Speaking to reporters a day after England coach Thomas Tuchel said he would speak to his players about the anti-racism protocol in place before Sunday’s match in Madrid, De la Fuente said there is “no racism” in Spain.

England players faced racist abuse during a game in the Spanish capital in 2004, while La Roja will have to play their next home friendly with a reduced capacity as a punishment for supporters singing a discriminatory chant about Muslims during a fixture against Egypt in March.