Warning: Contains reference to an offensive term
Sevilla say left-back Marcos Acuna and the club’s coaching staff were targeted with “racist and xenophobic abuse” during Saturday’s La Liga win at Getafe.
The match was paused by the referee in the 68th minute because of racist insults from some fans in the crowd.
In his official match report, referee Javier Iglesias Villanueva said the incident was reported over the stadium’s public address system.
He paused the game for two and a half minutes with no further incidents.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Sevilla said: “We condemn the racist and xenophobic abuse suffered by Marcos Acuna and our coaching staff.”
La Liga said: “There’s no place for racist or hateful behaviour in sport. La Liga vehemently condemns any racist acts and will continue working to eradicate this inexcusable behaviour from our sport.”
Speaking after the match, Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores said he had been called a “Gypsy” by some Getafe fans.
He said he was “proud” of his background but found it “abhorrent” it was being used as abuse.
Villanueva’s match report did not mention the abuse faced by Sanchez Flores, but did state that Argentina international Acuna had been referred to as a “monkey” by fans situated behind one of his assistant referees.
Sergio Ramos scored the game’s only goal in a crucial 1-0 victory to move Sevilla six points clear of La Liga’s relegation zone.
Later on Saturday, Spanish third-division side Rayo Majadahonda walked off the pitch and refused to return in their match at Sestao after goalkeeper Sheikh Sarr was allegedly racially abused.
Brazil and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, who this month said he felt “less and less” like playing football because of the repeated racism he has faced, said the three incidents were “despicable”.
“Racists must be exposed and the games cannot continue with them in the stands,” he wrote on X. “We will only have victory when the racists leave the stadiums straight to jail, a place they deserve.”
Last season there were 10 racist incidents against 23-year-old Vinicius reported to prosecutors by La Liga.
On Tuesday, Spain and Brazil drew 3-3 in a friendly which was played as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of Vinicius.
