The match between Elche and Espanyol, this Sunday (1st), valid for LaLiga, was stopped after a possible new case of racism.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía stopped the game for around three minutes after defender Omar El Hilali of the Catalan team accused Elche striker Rafa Mir of having uttered.
According to the summary, El Hilali reported that the opponent had stated that he arrived in Europe on a patera — a term used to designate small wooden vessels frequently used in the irregular crossing of immigrants from North Africa to southern Spain.
In the official document, Apezteguía recorded that no member of the arbitration team heard Rafa Mir’s alleged statements. Still, the referee chose to apply protocol and interrupt the match, resuming it after three minutes.
Anti-Racism Protocol
The Anti-Racism Protocol was .
The procedure is triggered by the referee through an “X” gesture with his arms. After that, the game is interrupted so that messages can be displayed on the stadium’s sound system and on the big screens.
If racist demonstrations persist, the match may be temporarily suspended, with the players leaving the field. If the acts continue, the referee may order the confrontation to end definitively.
Recently, the measure came into action in the duel between Benfica and Real Madrid, in the Champions League. Real striker, Vinicius Jr., of having committed racial offenses.
