Sevilla slam ‘racist insults’ aimed at Acuna
SEVILLA’S Argentine defender Marcos Acuna and coaching staff were subjected to “racist and xenophobic insults” from fans during their 1-0 La Liga victory over Getafe on Saturday, the club announced.
Referee Iglesias Villanueva invoked La Liga’s anti-racism protocol, halting the match in the 68th minute.
Sevilla condemned the racist and xenophobic insults directed at Marcos Acuna and their coaching staff, with La Liga also issuing a statement denouncing such behavior in sports and pledging to eradicate it from the game.
Sevilla coach Quique Sanchez Flores condemned the xenophobic insults hurled at him, where fans derogatorily called him a “Gypsy.” He expressed pride in his heritage but emphasized the difference between embracing the term and its racist use, deeming it abhorrent.
“Serious action needs to be taken; our players have suffered as well. I am against any racist chanting.”
Getafe coach Jose Bordalas said the protocol had to be activated in this case and agreed that serious measures needed to be taken if racist chants were to be stopped. “I agree that the protocol was activated. If the referee and, in this case, Acuna heard it (abuse), it was good that they stopped the match,” he told a press conference. Real Madrid’s Brazil winger Vinicius Jr., who has suffered from several incidents of racist abuse and is part of a campaign against racism, spoke out in support of those affected.
He was suspended for Real’s match at home to Athletic Bilbao yesterday after picking up five yellow cards.