One of the most persistent and regrettable evils that damage Spanish football is racism. This sport is racism. However, in recent years, especially in Spain, an important change has been noted: these episodes will no longer be allowed to become normalized or go unnoticed. Now they are firmly denounced, generating a response that makes it clear that this type of behavior has no place in football or in society.
It has happened to Elijah Gift, player of the lower categories of Athletic Club de Bilbaoduring a match with the Spanish under-19 team against Romania, disputed in that country. The footballer was the victim of racist insults at the end of the match, when the players were leaving the field. The young Spaniard’s reaction was immediate. He turned, angry and hurt, upon hearing the offensive words uttered by one of the Romanian players.. His teammates and the coaching staff intervened quickly and a small brawl formed, which did not go any further.
The Spanish Football Federation He did not take long to confirm and condemn the event, issuing a statement in which he expressed his unconditional support for the young player and his repudiation of any type of discriminatory attitude. “Our player Elijah Gift has suffered a racist incident in the Romania-Spain match of the International Tournament played in Bucharest. We strongly condemn any type of discriminatory attitudes in the world of football and we send all our support to Elijah.
Marc Guiuinternational and Chelsea player, published a message on his social networks in which he expressed his absolute rejection of racism. “There is no place for racism in football. I respect. God is with good people“Wrote Guiu, showing his solidarity with his partner. These words, although simple, convey a powerful message: the fight against racism belongs to everyone, and silence is not an option.
He Athletic ClubGift’s team, also issued a statement regretting the event and expressing its support for the player. “All our support to our player Elijah Gift in light of the racist incident he has suffered. “Zero tolerance for racism,” the club stated in a forceful message.
