Racist taunts directed against Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal during Saturday’s El Clasico at the Bernabeu have been denounced by La Liga and Real Madrid.
Social media videos seem to show the 17-year-old Spaniard being jeered by some home fans as he pointed to his name on the back of his shirt to celebrate his goal in the 77th minute.
Barcelona easily won 4-0, putting them six points ahead of their opponents at the top of La Liga. Robert Lewandowski scored twice, and Raphinha finished the scoring.
A La Liga statement read: “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 Co-ordinating Prosecutor of the Hate Crimes and Discrimination unit of the State Attorney General’s office.
“La Liga vehemently condemns the incidents at the Santiago Bernabeu and remains firm in its commitment to eradicate any kind of racist behaviour and hatred inside and outside stadiums.”
Real Madrid earlier said they had opened an investigation to identify the fans.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid strongly condemns any kind of behaviour involving racism, xenophobia or violence in football and sport, and deeply regrets the insults that a few fans uttered last night in one of the corners of the stadium.
“Real Madrid has opened an investigation in order to locate and identify the perpetrators of these deplorable and despicable insults so that the appropriate disciplinary and judicial measures can be taken.”
La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have implemented measures, such as partial stadium closures, to combat the rise in racist abuse.
Four persons were detained last week for allegedly launching an internet hate and racist campaign against Vinicius Jr., a forward for Real Madrid.
According to authorities, the campaign urged fans to harass the 24-year-old Brazilian racially and asked them to hide their identities by donning black face masks.
In June, three Valencia supporters received eight-month prison sentences for assaulting Vinicius during a May 2023 game.
