Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo was racially assaulted by fans during his team’s El Clásico clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu midweek. The Blaugrana took home a slim lead in the Copa del Rey semi-final with a 1-0 win in the first leg.
However, the game has been clouded after footage of Araujo being racially abused by fans. The Uruguayan was left lying on the field after a challenge and the fans insulted him. Fans are alleged to have said:
“A fucking monkey.”
There was no comment from Araujo, Barcelona or Real Madrid on the incident. However, the video has been posted days after the game took place (March 2).
Los Blancos winger Vinicius Junior was on site when the racist incident occurred and has been the victim of racist abuse throughout the season. It is becoming a recurring problem in Spanish football.
Atlético Madrid striker Álvaro Morata wants lifelong sanctions to be imposed on fans found guilty of racism. He assures that Vinicius is not the only player victimized by his skin color, and obviously it is so. The Spaniard told ESPN:
‘It is unacceptable and inexplicable. It should never have a place in football. The first time a person does that in a stadium, they should be banned for life because many times people go to watch a sporting event, often with children.”
LaLiga has filed eight complaints for alleged racism towards Vinicius this season. Morata added:
“These (episodes of chants and racist insults) are not happening only to Vinicius. Maybe it always feels like it’s happening to him because he’s in the media spotlight, but no… These (insults) happen every Sunday in every stadium. .”
Barcelona claimed victory over Real Madrid thanks to Eder Militao’s own goal in the 26th minute. The second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final will take place on April 5 at Camp Nou.
Barcelona manager Xavi praises Araujo and Jules Kounde as the best defenders in the world after Real Madrid win
Barcelona manager Xavi was full of praise for the defensive duo Araujo and Kounde following the team’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid. The duo nullified the threat of Karim Benzema and Vinicius in a big way at night.
Araujo made two punts and three tackles and blocked two shots, while Kounde had 11 punts and two interceptions. Guaranteed exhibition of the defenders, and Xavi was delighted with his performances. The Spaniard addressed the fact that Vinicius rarely threatened, saying (via the Daily Mail):
“Vinicius normally creates six or seven chances in a game, and tonight he didn’t get any. We played the reigning European champions tonight and the players deserve a lot of credit.”
Xavi added:
“For me, Araujo is one of the best defenders in the world and so is Jules Kounde.”
Is there a better defender in the world right now than Ronald Araújo? ✨ https://t.co/QICCUYLjhd
The pair will likely be in action when the Blaugrana take on Valencia on Sunday (March 5). Xavi’s men have an advantage of seven points over Real Madrid, second place.
Paul Merson Predicts Liverpool vs Man Utd Result & Other PL GW 26 Matches! Click here