MADRID, Nov 23, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Three football fans have been arrested in 
Spain over the racist abuse of Barcelona players Lamine Yamal and Alejandro 
Balde during last month's Clasico against Real Madrid, Spanish police said 
Saturday.

The two adults and a minor are accused of having "made xenophobic statements 
that harmed the dignity and moral integrity of the two footballers" during 
the match which Barcelona won 4-0 in Madrid, police said.

The trio were identified using mobile phone and television footage.

Videos emerged on social media after the game of racial abuse aimed at the 
Barcelona players, with 17-year-old Spain star Yamal targeted during a goal 
celebration after becoming the youngest Clasico scorer.

Spanish football is struggling to combat racism in stadiums across the 
country.

Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior has become a figurehead in the fight 
against racism and has been targeted on numerous occasions since arriving in 
Spain in 2018.

The Brazilian winger earned worldwide support in May 2023 when he squared off 
with Valencia supporters after suffering abuse at their Mestalla stadium.

In June three Valencia supporters were sentenced to eight months in prison as 
a result.

In January 2023, an effigy in a Vinicius shirt was found hanging from a 
bridge near the club's training ground alongside a banner saying: "Madrid 
hates Real."