Elche v Espanyol paused over alleged racist remark
Elche and Espanyol’s La Liga clash was halted for three minutes in the 78th minute after Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali accused Elche striker Rafa Mir of making a racist comment. Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia activated Uefa’s anti-racism protocol before the game eventually ended 2-2 with Mir scoring a 90th-minute penalty.
In his report, Galech said he stopped the match after El Hilali raised the allegation and informed the fourth official, following Uefa procedures. Espanyol later posted a photo of the 22-year-old Spain-born Morocco international with the message “with you”.
La Liga stated: “We condemn any racist act. On the field and off it, there is no place for those who hate.” Elche also rejected discrimination but urged caution “in the absence of evidence”.
The protocol was recently applied in the Champions League after Vinicius Jr reported alleged abuse, underlining ongoing concerns over racism in Spanish football.