Spanish government joins investigation into racist insults

MADRID :The Spanish government, LaLiga and Real Madrid reacted strongly on Sunday after racist insults were allegedly directed at Barcelona players during Saturday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Spanish media reported that 17-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who is of Equatorial Guinean and Moroccan heritage, was targeted with xenophobic and racist abuse. Barcelona beat arch-rivals Real 4-0 with Yamal among the scorers.

The Spanish Supreme Sports Council (CSD) released a statement condemning racist incidents during El Clasico and will meet on Monday to discuss the case.

The State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sports, which is in charge of studying the case, includes the CSD, the Spanish police, the Civil Guard, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), LaLiga and the State Attorney General's Office.

"LaLiga will immediately report the racist insults and gestures received by Barcelona players to the Hate Crimes Section of the National Police Information Brigade, as well as informing the Coordinating Prosecutor of the Hate Crimes and Discrimination Unit of the State Attorney General's Office," LaLiga added in a statement.

"LaLiga vehemently condemns the incidents at the Santiago Bernabeu and remains firm in its commitment to eradicate any kind of racist behaviour and hatred inside and outside stadiums."

REAL MADRID INVESTIGATION

Real Madrid said they had opened an investigation to identify the perpetrators so that appropriate action can be taken.

"Real Madrid strongly condemns any kind of behaviour involving racism, xenophobia or violence in football and sport, and deeply regrets the insults that a few fans uttered last night in one of the corners of the stadium," the club said in a