La Liga are investigating after Alejandro Balde alleged he was the subject of racist abuse during Barcelona’s game at Getafe on Saturday night.
Balde, 21, said he was targeted by home fans in the first half of the 1-1 draw and informed referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes before an announcement was broadcast in the stadium.
The league is looking further into the allegations which could lead to sanctions.
“I received a number of racist insults,” Balde said in an interview with Movistar after the game. “And I should say that this is something that should not still be happening.
“It was in the first half, and at the end of the half I told the referee and the protocol was activated.”
La Liga rules give match officials the power to stop games if they are made aware of possible racist abuse.
There is no place for racism. We are 100% behind you, Balde. pic.twitter.com/9yRX2uUNjQ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 18, 2025
Barcelona voiced their public support for Balde on social media while head coach Hansi Flick also commented on the situation in his post-match press conference.
“There is no place for this,” he said. “It is inconceivable that these things are still happening today.
“These people should stay at home and not come to games, and we must fight against them. It is unacceptable. And the people around them should do something too. It’s not fair.”
The draw saw Barcelona drop points for a fourth game in a row in La Liga with Jules Kounde’s opening goal cancelled out by Mauro Arambarri.
They sit third in the table, four points behind second-placed Real Madrid, who can move top above Atletico Madrid if they beat Las Palmas on Sunday.
(Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
