Barcelona's Balde reports racist abuse in La Liga match

Alejandro Balde faces racist insults during a 1-1 draw against Getafe, prompting renewed calls to combat racism in football.

Alejandro Balde, left-back for Barcelona and Spain, during the La Liga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Coliseum on January 19, 2025, in Getafe, Spain. Photo by Jose Breton/Getty Images

By Armandio Alif and Eva Krafczyk

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde revealed he was subjected to racist abuse during his team’s 1-1 draw against Getafe in La Liga on Saturday. Speaking after the game, Balde expressed his frustration and called for action to address racism in football.

"I received various racist insults from some fans today, and I think that's something I should say here. This is something that should not keep happening," Balde told Movistar during a post-match interview.

The defender noted that he informed the referee about the abuse during the game, prompting officials to activate Spain's anti-racism protocol. This led to a public announcement in the stadium, warning fans to refrain from discriminatory behavior.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing the need to address racism both in football and in society.

"There's no space for this in football or in life. This is unbelievable, and in the time we live in now, it's totally wrong," Flick said during the post-match press conference. "Those shouting racist abuse should stay at home. They don’t belong at matches."

Flick urged collective action to combat racism: "We all have a role to play in fighting against this behavior. The people around those who act this way can do something, and we as a football community must remain united in this fight."

The incident involving Balde is not an isolated case in Spanish football. Earlier on Saturday, Bambo Diaby, a player for Elche in Spain's second division, was also subjected to racist abuse during a 1-1 draw against Sporting Gijon.

High-profile players, such as Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, have frequently been targeted for racial abuse in Spanish stadiums. In recent years, the Brazilian star has spoken out against the repeated incidents, sparking widespread debate about racism in the sport.

In November, three fans were arrested for racist abuse directed at Balde and his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal during the Clasico match against Real Madrid.

Despite existing protocols, such incidents highlight the persistent issue of racism in Spanish football and the need for stronger measures. Stadium announcements and temporary sanctions have done little to deter offenders, leaving players and clubs frustrated by the lack of meaningful progress.

Balde’s decision to speak out reflects growing frustration among players who continue to face discrimination on the pitch. His comments have reignited discussions about the effectiveness of current anti-racism protocols and the responsibility of football authorities to implement stricter enforcement.

A call for unity

The repeated instances of racism in football underscore the importance of collective efforts to address the issue. Clubs, players, and governing bodies must work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport.

Balde’s courage in confronting the issue head-on is a reminder of the ongoing battle against racism in football. As fans, players, and officials call for change, it remains to be seen whether concrete actions will follow to ensure such incidents become a thing of the past.

For now, the football community continues to rally around Balde and others who have experienced racism, hoping to drive progress and uphold the values of respect and equality in the game.

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