LaLiga has reported incidents of racist and xenophobic abuse directed at Sevilla defender Marcos Acuña and coach Quique Sanchez Flores during a recent league game at Getafe. The abuse, which occurred at the Coliseum, led to LaLiga filing an official complaint with the Anti-Violence Commission and the Spanish football federation (RFEF)'s Competition Committee.
The match was briefly halted in the 68th minute after racist slurs were heard from a section of the crowd, prompting a warning announcement over the stadium tannoy in accordance with LaLiga's anti-racism protocol. Sevilla manager Sanchez Flores revealed in a post-match news conference that he was subjected to derogatory remarks by fans during the game.
Another disturbing incident took place in a third division league game between Rayo Majadahonda and Sestao River, where Rayo Majadahonda's goalkeeper Cheikh Sarr received a red card for confronting a fan who allegedly racially insulted him. Following the red card, Majadahonda refused to continue the match.
These incidents come on the heels of a recent awareness-raising game between Spain and Brazil at the Bernabéu stadium. Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, who has been a target of racist abuse since arriving in Spain, spoke out against racism in a poignant news conference before the match. In response to the weekend's events, Vinícius Júnior expressed solidarity with Sarr, Acuña, and Sanchez Flores on social media.
Sarr praised Vinícius Júnior for his advocacy against racism, stating that the Real Madrid player's actions are crucial in the fight against discrimination. The incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of racism in football and the importance of collective action to combat such behavior.
