Real Madrid Denounce Racist Abuse Targeting Barcelona Players During El Clasico

Real Madrid condemned racist abuse from some of their supporters targeting Barcelona players, including teenagers Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde, during Saturday’s 4-0 Clasico defeat.

La Liga announced plans to report the incidents to Spanish authorities, while the government also condemned the abuse. In a statement on Sunday, Real Madrid expressed their disapproval, saying, '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.'

Videos circulated on social media after the game showing racial abuse directed at Barcelona players, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal targeted during a goal celebration after becoming the youngest scorer in Clasico history.

Real Madrid stated that they had 'opened an investigation to locate and identify the perpetrators of these deplorable and despicable insults.'

La Liga confirmed that the racist insults and gestures would be reported to the national police's hate crime unit. Spain's sports council (CSD) announced that their Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport would convene on Monday to discuss the issue.

'The Clasico is one of the greatest spectacles in the world, reflecting the significance of football in our country,' said the CSD. 'In it, as in any sporting event, there can be no place for violence, racism, xenophobia, hatred, or intolerance.'

Pilar Alegria, Spain’s Minister for Education, Professional Development, and Sports, echoed this sentiment on social media, stating, 'Neither racism, nor insults, nor violence have a place in our country’s sport.' Elma Saiz, Spain's Minister for Inclusion and Migration, also voiced support for Yamal.