Referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz paused the La Liga fixture between Elche and Espanyol on Sunday evening after identifying discriminatory behaviour from the stands. The official instigated Uefa's three-step anti-racism protocol during the second half of the match at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, according to Reuters. A stadium announcement requested that supporters cease the offensive chanting immediately.
Players from both teams remained on the pitch while the game was stopped for approximately three minutes. Action resumed once the referee satisfied himself that the conditions met safety requirements. Per ESPN, the incident occurred shortly after Elche took the lead in the contest.
La Liga officials confirmed they will analyse match footage and audio recordings to identify those responsible for the abuse. The league intends to submit a formal report to the Spanish Football Federation's competition committee and the state commission against violence. This incident follows several high-profile cases of racial discrimination in Spanish football this season, leading to calls for stricter stadium regulations.
