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In the wake of recent violence in Torre Pacheco, a town in the Murcia region, Moroccan international footballer Omar El Hilali, who plays for Espanyol, has spoken out against the negative impact such incidents have on the perception of immigrants striving for a better life in Spain.
In an interview with Betevé, the 23-year-old El Hilali remarked, «These actions tarnish the reputation of those of us who come here to work and integrate. While the majority work hard to make a living, there is a small group that does not share this goal».
Born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat to a family of Moroccan immigrants, El Hilali emphasized the need for action, stating, «Anyone who does not come to work should be sent back to their country, regardless of their nationality».
The Moroccan-Spanish player, who represented Morocco's under-23 team in 2023, also shared his frustrations with the stereotypes he encounters, asserting, «People who don't know I'm a football player look at me as if I've committed 40 crimes».
He recounted a troubling incident involving his mother, who was wrongfully accused of theft in a store while with her grandchild. The staff's demeanor shifted once he arrived and was recognized as a well-known player, prompting an apology to his mother.
For the record, Torre Pacheco recently experienced unrest two weeks ago, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals and the identification of 120 others, most with known records of violence. The turmoil erupted following an assault by two youths on an elderly man, sparking targeted violence against immigrants, predominantly Moroccans.
