Racism: 3 arrested over racist abuse of Barcelona stars

Spanish police have arrested three individuals over alleged racist abuse directed at Barcelona players Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde during last month’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.

The arrests, announced on Saturday, involve two adults and a minor accused of making xenophobic remarks that targeted the dignity of the two footballers. The alleged incidents occurred during Barcelona’s 4-0 victory in Madrid, with Yamal, 17, becoming the youngest scorer in the iconic fixture’s history. The trio was identified through mobile phone recordings and television footage.

Footage of the incident circulated online after the match, showing racist chants directed at Yamal during his goal celebration. Alejandro Balde was also subjected to derogatory comments during the game.

This incident comes amid increasing scrutiny of racism in Spanish football. Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has become a central figure in the fight against such behavior, having faced repeated abuse since his arrival in Spain in 2018. In May 2023, Vinicius confronted Valencia fans over racist chants, leading to global condemnation and the sentencing of three individuals to eight months in prison for the abuse.

Racism has also manifested in disturbing gestures, such as the January 2023 incident where an effigy wearing a Vinicius jersey was hung from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground, accompanied by a hateful banner.