Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde denounces racist insults at Getafe

FC Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde clashes with Getafe’s Juan Iglesias
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde said he was targeted by racist insults from fans at an away game at Getafe in La Liga.

“I received racist insults, something that shouldn’t happen, and I think I should say it here,” Balde said during a post-game television interview on Movistar on Saturday (January 18, 2025).

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Balde, who is Black, said he heard the insults in the first half of a game that ended 1-1. He said he informed the referee.

In the second division, Elche said one of its players, Bambo Diaby, also received racist insults during its 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon.

The Spanish league has had multiple cases of racist insults against players in recent years. Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has notably been targeted.