Melilla leader says Spanish identity does not require anti-Moroccan views
The anti-Moroccan sentiment debate in Melilla has resurfaced after a local political leader argued that supporting Morocco’s national football team does not conflict with being Spanish.
Isaac Fernández Atencia, spokesperson for the political party Nueva Melilla, publicly defended his decision to wear a Moroccan national team jersey following Morocco’s 3-0 victory over Canada, a result that secured the Atlas Lions a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Fernández Atencia said his support for Morocco stems from personal and emotional ties and does not diminish his commitment to Spain or to Melilla. He described himself as Spanish, Melillan, and Andalusian, arguing that backing a neighboring country’s football team should not be interpreted as a rejection of Spanish identity.
The politician criticized what he described as longstanding prejudice toward Morocco within parts of Melilla’s society. According to him, public expressions of support for Morocco often provoke criticism that reflects deeper social attitudes rather than genuine concerns about patriotism.
He linked these tensions to historical factors that continue to influence perceptions of Morocco in Spain. Political debates surrounding Moroccan identity and immigration remain prominent in some sectors, particularly among nationalist and far-right groups that view Morocco through a security or cultural lens.
Fernández Atencia also referenced the Spanish expression “No hay moros en la costa,” a phrase that originated during the Middle Ages and has survived in modern language. Although commonly used today to indicate that a situation is safe or free of concern, the expression reflects historical relations between Spain and Morocco.
Addressing critics, including members of the far-right Vox party, Fernández Atencia maintained that Spaniards frequently wear the jerseys of countries such as Argentina, Italy, or England without attracting controversy. He argued that the same acceptance should extend to Morocco, especially given Melilla’s geographic proximity to the country and the family, cultural, and social ties that connect many residents to their southern neighbor.
The Nueva Melilla spokesperson reiterated that his party does not define itself through hostility toward other countries. He stressed that being Spanish does not require opposition to Morocco and rejected what he described as efforts to link national identity with anti-Moroccan positions.
Earlier in the tournament, Fernández Atencia had also defended businesses and residents in Melilla who openly supported Morocco. While stating that Spain remains his first choice in international football, he said he supports Morocco whenever the Spanish national team is not competing because of his close connection to the country.
He concluded by expressing hope that Spain would win the World Cup, while adding that if Spain did not succeed, he would continue supporting Morocco.
