Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has spoken out about racist abuse he endured from Getafe supporters during a 1-1 La Liga draw on Saturday. Following the match at Getafe’s Coliseum stadium, Balde addressed the racism issue in an interview, expressing frustration and calling for an end to such incidents.
“I received various racist insults from some fans today, and I think that’s something I should say here. I think it’s something that should not keep happening,” Balde stated to Movistar. The young defender informed the referee about the abuse during the game, prompting the activation of Spain’s anti-racism protocol. This led to an official stadium announcement urging fans to stop the offensive behaviour.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick condemned the actions of those responsible, asserting that such individuals have no place in football or society. “There’s no space for this in football or in life, this is unbelievable, in the time (we live in now) it’s totally wrong,” Flick told reporters.
“They have to stay at home. Not go to the match, they have to stay at home.I think we have to fight against them, it’s the best thing, and the people around them can also do something… I think everyone can do it.”
The incident was not an isolated one in Spanish football that day. Earlier, Elche player Bambo Diaby suffered racist abuse during a 1-1 draw against Sporting Gijón in Spain’s second division.
Racist incidents have become a recurring problem in Spanish stadiums, with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior often targeted. Last November, three fans were arrested after hurling racist insults at Balde and his teammate Lamine Yamal during the Clásico against Real Madrid.
