Joel Saucedo
My take on the soccer world

Referee reports racism at Spanish soccer game

MADRID, Spain — A black player was racially taunted by spectators at a Spanish second division soccer game between second-place Real Betis and leader Cartagena, according to the referee.

Alfonso Pino Zamorano said in his post-match report that Cartagena’s Panamanian substitute, Alberto Quintero Medina, was subjected to monkey taunts from the crowd during Sunday’s goalless draw at Betis’ Manuel Ruiz de Lopera Stadium.

Pino Zamorano briefly halted the match in the 78th minute and a loudspeaker announcement was made requesting the taunting to stop.

This latest episode of racist behaviour by spectators at a Spanish sporting event came five days before Madrid learns whether it will host 2016 Olympic Games.

Spanish authorities have recently tried to improve the country’s image by dealing with such incidents with greater severity.