Rice says he does not expect racism at Spain match

England midfielder Declan Rice said he does not expect racist incidents at the team’s match against Spain. The Nations League fixture will be played at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium on November 15.

England will play in the Spanish capital for the first time since 2004. During that match, a 1-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, racist remarks were directed at visiting players from the stands.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel said before the match that he intends to brief the team on UEFA’s anti-racism protocols.

Rice has previously said he faced racism in Montenegro and Bulgaria, where the team left the pitch in line with a specific protocol. He stressed that the team’s position on the issue was clear and that they knew how they would respond.

The midfielder said the head coach had not yet discussed the issue with the team, but could do so. Rice described Madrid as a beautiful city and the stadium as excellent, and said they had great respect for their opponents. Sky Sports reported his remarks.