Thomas Tuchel has accused reporters of twisting his comments about racism as the issue overshadowed England’s Nations League meeting with Spain in Madrid.
The England head coach had been asked after Thursday’s win over Croatia how he and his players would respond if racist abuse occurred during Sunday’s match. He said he might take five minutes to remind the squad of the anti-racism protocols, while stressing that he did not expect any abuse.
Tuchel’s remarks prompted questions for Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who was asked whether the continued discussion showed that Spanish football still had work to do in tackling racism.
De la Fuente replied: “What I can tell you, and you can pass this on to Thomas, is that there is no racism in Spain. That’s how strongly I feel about it.
“There is no racism. Just as in England, there is no racism in Spain. None of us are racist.”
Asked about the response, Tuchel said he had never suggested that racism was a particular problem in Spain.
“I never talked about racism in Spain,” he said. “I answered politely a question about what happens. I never expect racism and the dressing room is the most anti-racist place on earth.
“You create a lot of confusion for absolutely nothing. It’s a perfect example of how it should not work.”
Tuchel later said he was “a little upset”, believing his comments had been used to “create a lot of confusion for no reason”. He added that he had intended to communicate his expectation of a friendly atmosphere in Madrid.
“I don’t expect racism, nowhere,” Tuchel said. “I am shocked if it happens. It should never happen.
“I am the first person to stand up for these values. I got asked what happens if it happens and I said there are protocols in place. Football does what it does best, brings people together – not divides.”
Declan Rice not expecting racism in Madrid
The match will be England’s first visit to the Spanish capital since 2004, when racist abuse was directed at the team’s black players. Spain were also fined and given a partial stadium closure last month after Islamophobic chanting during a match against Egypt in Barcelona in March.
Declan Rice said England’s players were familiar with the procedures because of previous incidents involving Montenegro and Bulgaria.
“In the past, I’ve experienced that in Montenegro, Bulgaria and there was a protocol in place we followed,” the midfielder said. “We came off the pitch. We know exactly where we are as a group on that.”
Rice said Tuchel had not yet raised the matter with the squad, but added: “I’m not expecting any of that tomorrow night. This is a beautiful city, great stadium, the players we’re playing against we have a lot of respect for.
“It’s set up to be a really good evening and hopefully not a negative one.”
England face Spain in Madrid on Sunday as they seek to top their Nations League group.
