October 31 – Spanish football is once again the epicentre of racism from the stands as authorities have recommended a €4,000 ($4,625) fine for a Real Oviedo supporter accused of racially abusing Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford during a 3–1 win on September 25.
According to Spain’s anti-violence commission, an Oviedo fan was heard using a racial slur in Spanish toward Rashford.
“La Liga detected the images on social media and filed a complaint with the National Police,” said a league statement.
Security footage from the stadium later helped identify the alleged perpetrator.
While Spanish football remains watchable and marketable, the behaviour of a small subset of supporters is leaving a stain on the game and the country, as racism continues to be a problem despite repeated promises of reform.
Recently, Spanish courts issued prison sentences for the perpetrators of racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, but casual racism is still rampant, with critics saying the punishments have produced little meaningful change.
Rashford, 27, who is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, has been the victim of racism on and off the pitch throughout his career.
In 2021, a man was jailed in England for posting racist messages about Rashford after his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final, while a mural of the forward was defaced.
For all the campaigns and slogans, in Spain and England, racism remains a recurring issue in the sport. For Rashford and Vinícius, fines will not take the hurt away of being targeted for the colour of their skin, despite the goals, the glory, and the financial riches.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1761934323labto1761934323ofdlr1761934323owedi1761934323sni@r1761934323etsbe1761934323w.kci1761934323n1761934323
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