Alejandro Balde (right) in action© Agence France-Presse
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde complained of racist abuse directed at him by Getafe fans during a 1-1 draw in the Spanish Football League on Saturday. After Hansi Flick’s side suffered another setback in the title race at Getafe’s Coliseum, Balde reported the abuse in a post-match interview. “I received various racist insults from some fans today, and I think that’s something I have to say here. I think it’s something that shouldn’t continue to happen,” Balde told Movistar. The defender said that he informed the referee during the match, who activated the Spanish racism protocol, which led to a general announcement to the fans in the stadium to stop doing so.
Flick said those who shout racist abuse should not come to matches.
Flick told reporters: “There is no place for this in football or in life. This is unbelievable. In the time we live in now, this is completely wrong.”
He added: “They have to stay at home. They don’t go to the match, they have to stay at home.”
“I think we have to fight against them, that’s the best thing, and the people around them can also do something… I think everyone can do it.”
Earlier on Saturday, in Spain’s second division, Elche player Bamboo Diaby also faced racist abuse during a 1-1 draw with Sporting Gijon.
There have been numerous instances of racism in Spanish football stadiums in recent years, with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior often targeted for abuse.
In November, three fans were arrested after racist abuse was directed at Balde and his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal in El Clásico against Real Madrid.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
