Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has dismissed suggestions that racism is an issue in the country, insisting that Spaniards are not racist despite a number of recent incidents involving supporters and players.
His comments come just weeks after FIFA sanctioned the Spanish Football Federation following Islamophobic chants from supporters during a friendly against Egypt. Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has also previously spoken about experiencing racism on numerous occasions in Spain.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's UEFA Nations League meeting with England in Madrid, De la Fuente was responding to comments from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, who revealed he would remind his players about the anti-racism procedures in place before the game.
“In Spain, there is no racism,” the 65-year-old said.
“You can tell this to Thomas. As clear as that. There is no racism. Exactly the same as in England, in Spain, there is no racism. We’re not racists, none of us.”
Despite De la Fuente's stance, Spanish football has faced repeated scrutiny over racist and discriminatory behaviour in recent years.
As well as the Islamophobic chants directed towards Egypt supporters in March, which resulted in Spain being ordered to play their next home friendly at a reduced capacity, several prominent players have been subjected to abuse.
