CONMEBOL opens investigation after racist chanting

South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL has opened an investigation into alleged racist chanting against Colombia international Hugo Rodallega by Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata fans in the Copa Sudamericana.

Following the Argentine team’s 1-0 victory over Colombians Independiente de Santa Fe on Tuesday, Rodallega claimed some Gimnasia fans had called him “monkey” and “black.”

“CONMEBOL is against all types of discrimination and has even increased the penalties to combat racism in football,” a source at the governing body told AFP.

The source added that those responsible for the body’s disciplinary committee have opened a file on the case.

Rodallega’s claim comes just days after Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinícius Jr. was subjected to similar racist chants during a La Liga match against Valencia. Spanish police arrested seven people on Tuesday over the racial abuse while Spanish football authorities ordered that one stand at Valencia’s stadium – where the abuse originated – be shut for five games.

“We’re not improving as humanity, it’s a disaster what is happening throughout the whole world,” Rodallega told television cameras after the match. “It’s sad that we come here [to Argentina] and this happens. I’m not saying we lost because of the people [shouting abuse] but this racism drains you,” added the 37-year-old. “Them calling you ‘monkey,’ calling you ‘black,’ is a lack of respect.”

Colombia’s players association ACOLFUTPRO called on CONMEBOL to “apply exemplary punishments against those individuals that undermine people’s dignity.” Gimnasia released a statement condemning the abuse and opening an investigation. “As an institution we repudiate any specific and individual act that happened against the player,” said Club Vice-president Pablo Arrien. CONMEBOL statutes allow the body to fine or suspend players, officials or clubs if found guilty of discriminatory language.