For the second time this season, racist chants targeting Muslims were heard from a section of the Atlético Madrid support ahead of a match against Barcelona. The incident occurred outside the Metropolitano stadium on the evening of March 17, 2024, prior to the La Liga clash between the two sides.
Videos circulating on social media showed a group of Atlético fans chanting discriminatory slogans as Barcelona fans, including those from the Muslim community, made their way to the stadium. The chants specifically referenced the Muslim faith in a derogatory manner.
This marks a repeat of an earlier incident from the current campaign. The same type of abuse was reported before the first league meeting between the clubs on December 3, 2023, which Barcelona won 1-0. The latest episode has sparked renewed condemnation and calls for action from Spanish football authorities.
On the pitch, the match itself ended in a 3-0 victory for FC Barcelona. The Catalan side took control early, with Robert Lewandowski opening the scoring in the 38th minute. The lead was doubled just before halftime when Raphinha’s cross was deflected into his own net by Atlético defender Nahuel Molina in the 44th minute. The scoring was completed late in the second half, with Lewandowski assisting a goal for Fermín López in the 65th minute to seal the three points.
The article from Akhbarona reveals that the Anti-Violence Commission in Spain has officially opened an investigation into the racist chanting. The commission is now reviewing the evidence and is expected to issue its findings and any potential sanctions in the coming days.
