Madrid: Spanish police have arrested three individuals accused of chanting racist insults at Barcelona players during the El Clasico match against Real Madrid in October. The incident occurred at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where Barcelona secured a resounding 4-0 victory, with forward Lamine Yamal among the scorers.
Yamal, who has Equatorial Guinean and Moroccan heritage, was one of the players targeted with xenophobic and racist abuse during the high-profile encounter.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Spain’s National Police confirmed the arrests, stating: “Three (people were) arrested for uttering racist insults against two football players during the El Clasico match played last October. Those arrested made xenophobic statements that violated the dignity and moral integrity of both footballers.”
Condemnation and Response
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Spain’s Supreme Sports Council (CSD) and La Liga.
“La Liga will immediately report the racist insults and gestures received by Barcelona players to the Hate Crimes Section of the National Police Information Brigade, as well as informing the Coordinating Prosecutor of the Hate Crimes and Discrimination Unit of the State Attorney General’s Office,” La Liga said in a statement.
Real Madrid has also launched its own investigation to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Spain’s migration minister, Elma Saiz, joined the chorus of condemnation, emphasizing the need for zero tolerance toward racism in sports.
Ongoing Efforts Against Racism
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about racism in football, with calls for stronger measures to ensure the dignity and safety of players on and off the pitch. Both the Spanish league and clubs involved have reiterated their commitment to eradicating discrimination from the game.
Key Points: Arrests Over Racist Abuse During El Clasico
- Three Arrested: Spanish police arrested three individuals for chanting racist insults at Barcelona players during October’s El Clasico match against Real Madrid.
- Targeted Abuse: Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, of Equatorial Guinean and Moroccan heritage, was among the players subjected to xenophobic and racist abuse during the match at Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium.
- Official Condemnation: Spain’s Supreme Sports Council (CSD) and La Liga condemned the incident, reaffirming their stance against racism in football.
- La Liga’s Action: La Liga reported the incident to Spain’s Hate Crimes Unit and the State Attorney General’s Office for further investigation.
- Real Madrid’s Response: The club launched its own inquiry to identify and penalize the perpetrators.
- Wider Call to Action: Spain’s migration minister, Elma Saiz, and other officials denounced the incident, emphasizing the importance of combating racism in sports.
