Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde exposes racial abuse during Getafe draw
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Madrid: FC Barcelona's Alejandro Balde revealed he was subjected to racist abuse by Getafe supporters during the 1-1 draw at the Coliseum on Saturday. The left-back alerted the referee to the incident at halftime, marking another troubling moment in Spanish football’s ongoing battle against racism.
Barcelona, aiming to capitalize on Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Leganés, could only narrow the gap at the top of La Liga by one point. Despite an early goal from Jules Koundé, the Catalans were unable to break down Getafe’s resolute defense, marking their fifth consecutive season without a win in Getafe.
Balde, speaking after the match, recounted the racial abuse he faced: "I received a number of racist insults. It’s something that shouldn’t still be happening. I reported it to the referee at halftime, and he activated the league's protocol in the second half, though I’m unsure about the exact details of the process from there."
Under La Liga’s anti-racism protocol, a match can be halted if racist behavior is observed or reported, and a public announcement is made, warning that the game will be abandoned if the abuse continues. The players may then be taken off the field to protect their safety and dignity.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also condemned the incident, saying, "There is no place for racism in football. It’s unfathomable that such behavior still exists today. Those responsible should stay home, and we must fight against them. It's unacceptable, and those around them should take action as well."
The club released a statement strongly denouncing the abuse: "Racism has reared its ugly head again, this time targeting Alejandro Balde. There is no place for racism in football, and we stand 100% behind our player."
This is the latest in a series of racial incidents in Spanish football, with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior also repeatedly subjected to similar abuse.
Barcelona remain third in La Liga, five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who lost to Leganés earlier on Saturday. Getafe, unbeaten in their last five home games against Barcelona, sit just outside the relegation zone.
With IANS inputs