Trending
Prev Story
Next Story

Thomas Tuchel: England boss to remind players of anti-racism protocols before Spain game

BBC News •
November 14, 2026 • 09:13 AM
9
9 reads 0 reactions

Manager Thomas Tuchel will remind England's players of Uefa's anti-racism protocols before Sunday's Nations League fixture against Spain in Madrid.

1 / 5
Swipe Photos

England are three points behind Spain at the top of their Nations League group

Manager Thomas Tuchel will remind England's players of Uefa's anti-racism protocols before Sunday's Nations League fixture against Spain in Madrid.

The match will be England's first in the Spanish capital since a notorious fixture at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium in 2004 which was overshadowed by racist chanting aimed at England players.

The Spanish federation was fined last month and ordered to play their next friendly match with a partial stadium closure after fans sang "Islamophobic and xenophobic" chants about Muslims during a game against Egypt.

"We had a same discussion before the Serbia game [in Belgrade in September 2025]," Tuchel said. "There is a protocol in place.

"Maybe we take our five minutes to inform the players about the protocol if there is a precedent [in Madrid]."

European governing body Uefa, the organiser of the Nations League, has a three-step protocol to handle incidents of discrimination inside stadiums, designed to give referees the power to halt matches, and even abandon games if racist behaviour continues.

In the first instance, referees halt the match and request an announcement on the public address system.

Then, if discrimination continues, officials can stop the game for five to 10 minutes and take the players from the field.

If issues continue after the second stoppage, then the game can be abandoned.

"It's important that the players know about the protocol," Tuchel said.

"And then, yeah, we will give our answers if stuff like this happens. Best answers are on the pitch."

Who would make your England-Spain combined XI?

England's black players such as Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand were subject to racist chanting during the 2004 friendly in Madrid

Sunday's fixture takes place at Atletico Madrid's home, the Metropolitano.

Victory would ensure England win their Nations League group and earn a more favourable quarter-final draw but world champions Spain are unbeaten in 43 matches, including a 3-2 win at Wembley in September.

"It's important that we play with the same mindset that we played at home, and attack them and try to make it a physical game, and try to impose our strength," Tuchel added.

"It [Spain] is a team that has forgotten how to lose, so it requires a top performance first of all, and if we can deliver this performance, it will give us a big boost.

"I think we're there, and I think we're ready to win on Sunday,"

Prev Swipe Story Next

Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
The Guardian
1d ago
Tuchel to remind England players of anti-racism protocols before game in Spain

Tuchel to remind England players of anti-racism protocols before game in Spain

England will return to Madrid for first time since 2004 when a match against Spain was ruined by racist abuse directed at black players from the stands

#england #spain #tuchel
Compare →
Al Jazeera English
22h ago
Nations League: Confident England look to snap Spain’s unbeaten streak

Nations League: Confident England look to snap Spain’s unbeaten streak

Spain, who are unbeaten in their last 43 competitive meetings, host England in Madrid on Sunday.

#spain #madrid #england
Compare →
The Next Web (TNW)
2d ago
NHS England reportedly deletes misleading Palantir benefits list

NHS England reportedly deletes misleading Palantir benefits list

NHS England deleted its list of 137 trusts said to benefit from Palantir’s data platform after 29 said they barely use it, as a contract extension looms.

#england #anti
Compare →
Hamro Patro News
6h ago
Public Kissing in Spain: A Symbol of Freedom and Social Norms

Public Kissing in Spain: A Symbol of Freedom and Social Norms

Kissing in public places is a common sight in Spain. From greeting with two kisses on the cheek when meeting for the first time to lovers openly kissing on streets, parks, and public squares, it ha...

Sydney Morning Herald (SMH)
8h ago
Australia v England ODI, Adelaide Oval LIVE: Warner clarifies concern about sandpaper investigation; Beardman rested

Australia v England ODI, Adelaide Oval LIVE: Warner clarifies concern about sandpaper investigation; Beardman rested

After an emphatic win in Perth on Friday, Australia’s young team heads to Adelaide full of confidence for the second game of the three-match ODI series, but the sandpaper scandal continues to hog the headlines.

#england
Compare →
The Age
8h ago
Australia v England ODI, Adelaide Oval LIVE: Warner clarifies concern about sandpaper investigation

Australia v England ODI, Adelaide Oval LIVE: Warner clarifies concern about sandpaper investigation

After an emphatic win in Perth on Friday, Australia’s young team heads to Adelaide full of confidence for the second game of the three-match ODI series, but the sandpaper scandal continues to hog the headlines.

#england
Compare →

Related Stories

Sports
Build #2612