Sevilla denounce reported racist abuse aimed at Marcos Acuna and staff during Getafe clash
By
SABC Sport
31st March 2024
Sevilla claim that Marcos Acuña and the coaching staff faced "racist and xenophobic abuse" during their 1-0 victory against Getafe, a situation described as "despicable" by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Sevilla claim that Marcos Acuña and the coaching staff faced "racist and xenophobic abuse" during their 1-0 victory against Getafe, a situation described as "despicable" by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Veteran centre-half Sergio Ramos scored the only goal of the game to boost Sevilla's hopes of avoiding the drop in LaLiga but the result on Saturday afternoon was overshadowed by allegations of crowd abuse towards Argentina international defender Acuna and the visiting coaches.
"We condemn the racist and xenophobic abuse suffered by Marcos Acuna and our coaching staff during #GetafeSevillaFC," Sevilla wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The claims come in the same week Spain and Brazil drew 3-3 in a friendly arranged as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of Vinicius.
The Brazilian has been the target of racist abuse throughout his time in the Spanish capital and broke down in tears on the eve of Tuesday's match when asked about the issue.
Vinicius took to X to show his support for those who faced alleged discrimination at the Estadio Coliseum, as well as drawing attention to another incident in Spain's third tier.
Rayo Majadahonda's players walked off the field and refused to return in their match at Sestao after goalkeeper Sheikh Sarr was reportedly targeted with racist abuse.
"This weekend, I won't even play. But we had three despicable cases of racism in Spain this Saturday alone," Vinicius wrote.
"All my support for Acuna @AcunaMarcos17 and coach Quique Flores, from @SevillaFC. To Sarr and @RMajadahonda may your bravery inspire others.
"Racists must be exposed and the games cannot continue with them in the stands. We will only have victory when the racists leave the stadiums straight to jail, a place they deserve."
A LaLiga statement on the social media platform added: "There's no place for racist or hateful behaviour in sport.
"LaLiga vehemently condemns any racist acts and will continue working to eradicate this inexcusable behaviour from our sport."
Meanwhile, Napoli's players took the knee before Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to Atalanta in apparent protest at the decision not to punish Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi over allegations of racism.
Napoli defender Juan Jesus accused Italy international Acerbi of an abusive comment relating to skin colour during a 1-1 draw between their clubs earlier this month.
But the case was dismissed by a Serie A sports judge on Tuesday due to a lack of evidence.
Jesus admitted he was left feeling "very bitter" and "crestfallen" by the decision, while Napoli found it "astonishing" Acerbi was not sanctioned.
The club added they would not take part in "anti-racism and anti-discrimination initiatives run by football institutions" any more.
