La Liga and Real Madrid have denounced racist abuse directed at Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal during Saturday’s El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Social media footage appears to show some home fans taunting the 17-year-old Spaniard as he celebrated his goal in the 77th minute, pointing to his name on his shirt.
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 4-0, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice and Raphinha adding another goal, extending their lead to six points at the top of La Liga.
La Liga issued a statement, saying, “La Liga will promptly report the racist insults and gestures directed at Barcelona players to the Hate Crimes Section of the National Police Information Brigade and will also notify the Co-ordinating Prosecutor for Hate Crimes and Discrimination at the State Attorney General’s office. La Liga condemns the incidents at the Bernabeu and remains committed to eradicating all forms of racist behavior and hate inside and outside stadiums.”
Real Madrid also responded with a statement, expressing strong condemnation of racism, xenophobia, and violence in football. “Real Madrid deeply regrets the insults directed at the player by a few fans in a section of the stadium. The club has launched an investigation to identify the individuals involved in these reprehensible acts so that appropriate legal and disciplinary actions can be taken.”
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga have taken various measures to address a rise in racist incidents, including partial stadium closures. Last week, four individuals were arrested for allegedly running an online hate campaign targeting Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., urging fans to wear black face masks to avoid detection while racially abusing the 24-year-old Brazilian.
Additionally, three Valencia supporters were sentenced to eight months in prison in June after racially abusing Vinicius during a match in May 2023.
SOURCE: BBC
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