Spanish media blasts fans over racist abuse

Insults aimed at players are on the rise among Spanish football supporters, with the latest case involving racist abuse hurled at Espanyol’s Cameroonian goalkeeper Idriss Kameni, Spanish media said Monday.

Kameni was the target of racist chants by spectators behind his goal at the Nou Camp stadium during the derby match against Espanyol on Saturday, images on Spain’s Canal+ television showed.

The incident was not reported by the referee, contrary to UEFA regulations concerning racist abuse in stadiums, the sports newspaper AS said.

The Cuatro television channel also showed images of a child of about 10 years of age, encouraged by his father, shouting insults at Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas during a warm-up for a match against Valencia on Saturday.

Real won the match 3-2, but Casillas, who had chastised the child over his behaviour, lacked concentration during the match as a result, letting in two goals that he would otherwise have saved, AS said.

Rival fans of Primera Liga sides Sporting Gijon and Sevilla also shouted abuse at each other during a match on Sunday, before clashes broke out in which 12 people were injured.