A Spanish third division club’s goalkeeper has received a two-game suspension for engaging with a spectator whom he alleged racially abused him.
In the 84th minute of the match, Rayo Majadahonda players left the field and declined to resume play after Cheikh Kane Sarr was dismissed for entering the stands to confront an opposing fan.
As a consequence of their actions, the club received an automatic 3-0 loss for failing to complete Saturday’s game against Sestao River. Additionally, they incurred a three-point deduction and a fine of 3,006 euros (£2,575).
Opponents Sestao, who led 2-1 before the incident, have been ordered to play two home games behind closed doors and have been fined 6,001 euros (£5,140) for “failing to act diligently or co-operate in the repression of violent, racist, xenophobic or intolerant behaviour”.
Senegalese goalkeeper Sarr, 23, said: “I grabbed him and asked why he was insulting me. My attitude was not aggressive, I just wanted to ask him why.”
He added: “It was something horrible and I could not stop myself. It was a very sad and ugly thing what they were saying.”
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) judged Sarr’s reaction to be “contrary to good sporting order” but said there were “mitigating circumstances” because of “justified sufficient provocation, motivated by the racist insults received”.
The Sestao supporter who encountered Sarr has pressed charges against the goalkeeper for alleged assault. Rafa Guadix, the security officer of the Basque club, refuted any claims of racist insults in an interview with radio station COPE.
This development follows the RFEF’s decision to penalize Getafe, a Spanish top-flight club, by partially closing their central stand for three matches due to racist and xenophobic behavior by fans during the previous weekend.
During Saturday’s La Liga match, which was halted in the 68th minute, Getafe supporters directed abusive language at Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna and manager Quique Sanchez Flores. The game resumed after two and a half minutes without further disruptions.
In addition to a 27,000 euros (£23,000) fine, Getafe will undergo partial stadium closure for their next three home fixtures against Real Sociedad (April 21), Athletic Bilbao (May 5), and Atletico Madrid (May 15).
The RFEF specified that the closed section of Estadio Coliseum must prominently display a message condemning violent, racist, xenophobic, and intolerant behavior in football while advocating for fair play.
Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius, who last month said he felt “less and less” like playing football because of the repeated racism he has faced during his time in Spain, responded to the incidents on social media: “Racists must be exposed and matches cannot continue with them in the stands”.
He added: “We will only have victory when the racists leave the stadiums and go straight to jail, the place they deserve.”
Last season there were 10 racist incidents against Vinicius reported to prosecutors by La Liga.
Last week, Spain’s friendly against Brazil was played as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of the 23-year-old.