Racist Incidents Return to Spotlight as Ilaix Moriba Faces Abuse from Barcelona Fans

Barcelona, Spain – During a recent La Liga matchup on Saturday, midfielder Ilaix Moriba of Celta Vigo was subjected to racial slurs from fans of FC Barcelona as he was substituted in the closing moments of a high-scoring game that ended 4-3 in favor of Barcelona.

Coaches Speak Out Against Racism

Celta Vigo’s coach, Claudio Giráldez, condemned the racial abuse during a press conference, stating, “Talking of Ilaix, I want to take this chance to condemn the racist insults he received [from the stands] when he was substituted. I heard them myself.”

Giráldez expressed his dismay, noting the persistence of such incidents in football: “It’s sad that this is still happening in football.”

A Promising Young Talent

Moriba, who hails from Guinea, previously rose through the ranks of Barcelona’s famed youth academy before making his debut for the first team. In 2021, he transferred to RB Leipzig, drawn by a more lucrative contract. Since then, the young midfielder has had loan spells with Valencia, Getafe, and currently, Celta Vigo in Spain’s top-flight league.

The Broader Issue of Racism in Spanish Football

The incident involving Moriba highlights a troubling trend in Spanish football, where racist slurs towards Black players are regrettably common. Such occurrences continue to mar the sport, prompting calls from players and coaches for greater measures to combat racism in football.

As awareness grows, it is crucial for the football community and fans alike to address these issues and work towards a more inclusive environment.

Reporting contributed by ESPN’s Sam Marsden and The Associated Press.