Lamine Yamal revisits the racist abuse he suffered at the Bernabéu

Lamine Yamal has spoken about the racism he has experienced in everyday life and during football matches. In his conversation with Jorge Valdano, the Barcelona winger returned to the events of the Clásico played at the Santiago Bernabéu on 26 October 2024. Racist and xenophobic insults were directed at visiting players while they celebrated a goal.

YAMAL EXPLAINS HIS REACTION

The forward stressed that racism does not always take the form of an explicit insult. In his view, people can make hurtful comments or behave in discriminatory ways without recognising the racist nature of their actions.

He used footage from the Santiago Bernabéu as an example. The recording captured abuse aimed at Barcelona players, but Yamal explained that he did not want the behaviour of a small number of individuals to distract him during the match. His attention remained on the game and on the supporters who had paid to watch the teams play.

REAL MADRID ISSUED AN OFFICIAL CONDEMNATION

Real Madrid responded with an official statement the day after the match. The club firmly condemned racism, xenophobia and violence, while specifying that the insults had come from a small number of spectators located in one corner of the stadium.

Madrid also opened an investigation to identify those responsible and pursue the appropriate disciplinary and legal action. Vinícius Junior publicly supported the Barcelona players as well. The Brazilian, who has repeatedly suffered racist abuse in Spanish football, called for the perpetrators to be identified and punished.

THE INCIDENT HAD CONSEQUENCES

LaLiga submitted evidence concerning the spectators’ behaviour to the relevant authorities. One minor admitted directing racist abuse at Lamine Yamal. The sanction included a one-year ban from stadiums hosting official competitions, 30 hours of educational community work and a written apology to the player.

Yamal’s account brings attention back to a serious incident that should not be reduced to another chapter in the rivalry between the two clubs. Responsibility belongs to the individuals involved. Real Madrid condemned their actions publicly, and the case led to concrete consequences.