Tuchel reacts to questions on anti-racism protocols

Thomas Tuchel said his words had been distorted when questions about anti-racism protocols dominated the agenda ahead of England's Nations League match in Madrid. Following the win over Croatia, he recalled being asked how they would respond if racist abuse occurred in Sunday's match. Tuchel said that in such a case he could take five minutes to remind his players of the protocols, and stated that they did not expect any abuse in Madrid.

It will be England's first visit to the Spanish capital since 2004. Racist abuse directed at England's Black players occurred at the match played on that date. Spain was also fined last month, in March, over Islamophobic chanting during its match against Egypt in Barcelona, and part of the stadium was closed.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said on Saturday, while answering a question from an English journalist based in Spain about racism, that there is no racism in Spain. De la Fuente also asked that these remarks be passed on to Tuchel. Tuchel responded to this statement after a question from a Spanish journalist, arguing that he had never said there was racism in Spain and that he had only gently answered a question he was asked. Tuchel also added that the dressing room is the most anti-racist place in the world.