Real Madrid has publicly condemned the racist abuse directed at several Barcelona players, including young star Lamine Yamal, during their 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday. The club announced on Sunday that an internal investigation is underway to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the offensive behaviour displayed by some fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
La Liga and Spanish Government Join in Condemnation
La Liga has also reacted strongly, committing to report these incidents to Spanish authorities, while the Spanish government’s sports institutions have voiced similar condemnation. “Real Madrid strongly condemns any kind of behaviour involving racism, xenophobia or violence in football and sport,” the club stated, expressing regret for the hateful comments that were captured on social media.
As part of the investigation, Real Madrid has vowed to work closely with police to identify the individuals responsible for what they termed “deplorable and despicable insults.” La Liga, in a statement, confirmed that it would report the racist insults and gestures directed at Barcelona players to the national police’s hate crime unit.
Vinicius Junior Shows Solidarity with Targeted Players
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who has faced repeated racial abuse since arriving in Spain, expressed his support for Yamal and other affected Barcelona players. “It’s regrettable what happened yesterday at the Bernabeu with the racist insults,” he posted on social media platform X, extending his solidarity to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Ansu Fati, and Raphinha.
“There’s no space for these criminals in our society. All my support to Lamine, Ansu, and Raphinha,” he added.
Football Institutions Mobilise Against Racism
The Spanish football federation and Spain’s sports council (CSD) have echoed Real Madrid’s call for accountability. The CSD’s Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in sport is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the incidents in further detail.
“The Clasico is one of the greatest spectacles in the world, a true expression of the importance that football has in our country,” the CSD stated, underscoring that racism, xenophobia, and intolerance have no place in sport.
Ongoing Struggle Against Racism in Spanish Football
This recent episode highlights the ongoing challenge of combating racism in Spanish football. Vinicius Junior, in particular, has been subjected to sustained abuse over the years, including racial chants at stadiums and disturbing acts, such as an effigy dressed in a Vinicius shirt hanging from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground. In response, Spanish police recently arrested four men linked to an online hate campaign targeting the Real Madrid player.
As Real Madrid, La Liga, and Spanish authorities unite in their commitment to eradicate racism from the sport, calls grow for stronger measures to ensure that every football match remains a safe and inclusive environment for players and fans alike.
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