Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has said that racist abuse from Real Madrid fans does not affect him, having suffered insults at the Santiago Bernabeu in October. Ahead of the match Ansu Fati and Raphinha were racially abused, while vile abuse was also hurled at Alejandro Balde, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal as they celebrated a third goal in their 4-0 win over Los Blancos.
Racial abuse has been on the rise in Spanish football over recent seasons, with nobody suffering more than Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior from abuse on far too numerous occasions. Meanwhile Nico Williams, Inaki Williams and Maroan Sannadi have all suffered racial abuse in recent seasons while playing for Athletic Club.
Speaking to MD in an in-depth interview though, the 17-year-old showed impressive presence of mind on the topic.
“When you are winning 0-3 or 0-4 they can say anything to you, in the end they can’t do anything. They are watching you play, they are watching you beat them at their ground. They are seeing how they can’t get to the ball and it is the only thing they have left. So, as Balde said, being called black or whatever… I am and it doesn’t bother me. We are proud. And in the end, when they win, they don’t shout anything at you. That’s when they’re losing. And that’s it.”
“It’s obviously wrong. There is no need to defend it. There is no room for this in football. They have to leave the ground. But hey, the Federation already knows it, everyone has seen it and they have to take the necessary measures.”
The scourge of racial abuse has seen action increase, with two prison sentences being handed out to fans who have abused Vinicius over recent seasons. However often the abuse only results in fines, and some have wondered whether it is worth increasing the measures, as the deterrant is clearly not yet strong enough.