Luis de la Fuente has firmly rejected the notion that racism persists in Spanish football, delivering a direct and defiant message to England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League showdown in Madrid. The Spain head coach, who recently secured a contract extension through 2032, addressed the controversy sparked by Tuchel’s confirmation that he would brief his squad on UEFA’s anti-racism protocols before the match. When pressed on whether Tuchel’s precautionary measures indicated a need for further action in Spain, De la Fuente responded unequivocally: “What I’d tell you, and you can tell Thomas, is that in Spain, there’s no racism.”
Spain boss dismisses anti-racism protocol concerns ahead of crucial Nations League clash.
The tension surrounding the fixture stems from England’s first visit to the Spanish capital since the infamous 2004 encounter at the Bernabeu, an event permanently overshadowed by racist chanting directed at the Three Lions players. While Tuchel emphasized that he did not anticipate any incidents, his decision to invoke the anti-racism protocol has fueled debate about the current climate in Spanish stadiums. De la Fuente’s comments aim to defuse these tensions, positioning the upcoming match as a purely competitive affair for the top spot in League A Group 3, rather than a social statement.
This exchange highlights the delicate balance national team managers must strike between preparing players for potential hostility and maintaining diplomatic relations between rival footballing nations. With the group leader determined by this Sunday’s result, both managers face the challenge of keeping focus on tactical execution amid heightened media scrutiny. De la Fuente’s assertion serves as a strong statement of intent, signaling that the Spanish football establishment stands firmly behind its anti-discrimination stance as it prepares to host one of its most significant rivals.
Source: BBC Sport
