Spain football coach denies racism ahead of England match
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente denied racism exists in the country after England manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters he would brief his players on anti-racism protocols ahead of their Nations League match. It has reignited debate over racism in Spanish football.
England’s first game in Madrid since racist abuse in 2004 De la Fuente tells Tuchel ‘we’re not racists, none of us’ Luis de la Fuente has told Thomas Tuchel there is no racism in Spain after the England coach’s admission that he would remind his players of the anti-racism protocol prior to their meeting at the Metropolitano on Sunday night. And although England have returned to Spain three times without incident since then, twice in Seville and once in Alicante, Tuchel was asked about going back in the buildup to Sunday’s game.
England visit Madrid for first time since fan abuse in 2004 ‘We had the same discussion before the Serbia game’ Thomas Tuchel will remind his England players of the anti-racism protocols as they prepare to play Spain in Madrid for the first time since the notorious meeting between the countries in 2004. England have since played three games in Spain, although they refused to return to Madrid for the first of them in 2009.
You can see one of the earliest fine art depictions of a match – a smoggy, factory-adjactent scene called Any Wintry Afternoon in England – at the Manchester Art Gallery. In 1953 the Football Association launched an art prize, backed by the newly formed Arts Council: the winning works included Going To The Match by LS Lowry, with its crowds flocking to Bolton Wanderers’ then home ground, Burnden Park.
All the latest news from around the footballing world Get in touch: contact our matchday live writers on email Hello and welcome to matchday live! We have another big day of Nations League action after Norway overpowered Wales 3-1, Northern Ireland beat Ukraine 1-0 and Austria edged out Republic of Ireland 1-0 in yesterday’s fixtures.
Midfielder needed a break ‘to come back stronger’ James Trafford selected to start in goal for England Declan Rice has admitted he had an “average” World Cup at the end of a gruelling season and needed time out during the international window in September and October in order to return stronger. The Arsenal midfielder believes the break has served its purpose, having produced starring performances against Bayern Munich and Liverpool in recent weeks.
Spain, who are unbeaten in their last 43 competitive meetings, host England in Madrid on Sunday.