January 20 – FC Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has openly condemned the racist slurs he received during the club’s 1-1 draw with Getafe on Saturday night at the Coliseum stadium.
In a post-match press conference, the 21-year-old, of Dominican and Equatorial Guinean descent, elaborated on his experience, revealing that he was subjected to racist insults during the first half of the LaLiga match. He informed the referee at half time, prompting the activation of the anti-racism protocol.
The player later took to Instagram to share his message: “Racism has no place in football or in life; we must continue fighting for these acts to disappear. It is a shame that in 2025, these things still happen.”
Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino chipped in with a message of support for the young player, stating on Instagram: “I am horrified by the racist insults aimed at FC Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde during their La Liga match against Getafe CF, and I condemn these acts, which have no place in football or society.”
The incident occurred at Getafe’s Coliseum stadium, which played host to controversial England forward Mason Greenwood last season upon his return to professional football, cast out from parent club Manchester United on loan.
In April 2024, the club were ordered to partially close the stadium’s central stand for three matches after players suffered racist and xenophobic abuse during a LaLiga match with Sevilla. Getafe fans in the stands were heard calling Argentinian defender Marcos Acuña a ‘monkey’ and coach Quique Sánchez Flores a ‘gypsy’. The club were also fined €27,000 ($29,000).
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addressed the matter during his post-match press conference: “There should be no space for this in football, nor in life. Now is the time for reflection, and those who insult should stay at home. We must fight against these attitudes. It is unfair.”
La Liga has seen numerous instances of racist insults aimed at players in recent years, most notably the repeated targeting of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1737395888labto1737395888ofdlr1737395888owedi1737395888sni@g1737395888niwe.1737395888yrrah1737395888