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Moroccan international and Espanyol player Omar El Hilali has called for migrants who commit crimes in Spain to be deported.
In an interview with Spanish platform BTV, El Hilali criticised what he described as a small group of migrants “who come here with no intention of working” and “spread hate and commit crimes”.
“If someone comes to Spain and doesn’t want to work, they should go back to their country,” he said. “They don’t represent us.”
His comments follow recent unrest in Torre Pacheco, southern Spain, involving tensions between locals and migrant communities.
El Hilali, born in Spain to Moroccan parents, said this minority damages the reputation of others.
“People look at me as if I’ve committed 40 crimes just because of how I look,” he added. “That’s the result of what some are doing.”
He also recalled a past incident in which his mother was falsely accused of theft, saying the situation would not have occurred had migrants not been associated with crime.
Racism in Spanish Football
El Hilali’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of racism in Spanish football.
Athletic Club striker Maroan Sannadi was racially abused during a match against Espanyol. Fans chanted “puto moro” (“f***ing Moroccan”) before the referee stopped play and anti-racism messages were broadcast.
In a separate incident, Espanyol B forward Omar Sadik was also called “puto moro” during a match against Europa. The referee activated La Liga’s racism protocol, and Espanyol issued a public statement supporting the player.
Several other Moroccan or African-origin players, including Adama Boiro and Álvaro Djaló, have reported similar abuse during La Liga games. The Spanish football federation is under pressure to respond more forcefully.
On Choosing Morocco
El Hilali also addressed his decision to play for Morocco rather than Spain.
“I was born in Spain, but my roots are Moroccan. My family wanted me to represent Morocco, and they’re proud of it,” he said.
El Hilali has been a regular starter for Espanyol over the last two seasons and is seen as one of the most promising defenders in Spanish football.
