The AFE and the Movement Against Intolerance call for harsher punishments for those responsible for racist insults

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Racist attacks are once again at the forefront in a stadium, this time during El Clasico

The recent Clasico, between Real Madrid and Barcelona, has left deep concern in the football world, although this time not because of the scoreline. Racist insults towards Barcelona players, such as Lamine Yamal, Ansu Fati and Raphinha, brought the issue of intolerance in sport back to the centre of the debate. The sectors involved, from authorities to organisations and clubs, have begun to mobilise to seek answers to a problem that, far from being solved, seems to be on the increase.

Ángel Gabilondo, the ombudsman, has taken action. In a statement issued on Monday, he said he has asked the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport for a detailed report on what steps are planned following the unfortunate incidents at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Gabilondo's request goes beyond the measures taken so far; he wants new actions and sanctions to be assessed to ensure zero tolerance towards such behaviour.

Real Madrid, for their part, have joined in the condemnations, stating that they have already opened an investigation to identify those responsible for the racist insults towards the Barça players. In its official statement, the club declared its stance against racism and xenophobia, pledging to take all necessary disciplinary and judicial action to punish the fans involved. The Merengue board has been clear in its position: any kind of racist behaviour will be strongly penalised.

AFE and MCI: Stricter measures, the definitive solution?

The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) and the Movement Against Intolerance (MCI) have also joined this series of reactions, two organisations that have raised their voices firmly, demanding harsher action. In their statement, AFE president David Aganzo and the MCI have asked the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) to convene an urgent meeting of the State Commission to address new measures. According to both institutions, the efforts made so far are not succeeding in eradicating racism from stadiums, and they call for drastic changes to be implemented, such as reinforced surveillance by security cameras and stricter checks on access to the stands.

The idea of using cameras around and at stadium entrances to improve the identification of perpetrators is not new, but both AFE and MCI insist on its urgency. They argue that increased monitoring could deter offenders and facilitate legal action against those who persist in racist behaviour. The association also questions whether the recent insults are the result of organised groups gaining access to the stands, an aspect it calls for to be thoroughly investigated.

LaLiga and its commitment to hate-free football

In parallel, LaLiga has strongly condemned what happened, and plans to report the incidents to the Hate Section of the National Police Information Brigade. The institution has also informed the Coordinating Prosecutor of the Hate and Discrimination Crimes Unit to ensure that the case is fully investigated. LaLiga reaffirms its commitment to fight against any form of hatred inside and outside the stadiums, demonstrating a firm position in defence of a football free of racism.

The football organisation has been campaigning against intolerance for years, and has stepped up its efforts following similar episodes in the past. In fact, significant steps were taken in May 2023 when racist insults directed at Vinícius Júnior at Mestalla were reported. These incidents have led LaLiga to intensify its policies and work closely with law enforcement agencies to try to eradicate racism in its competitions.