Spanish FA begins investigation into the Valencia vs Cardiz racial Altercation

Juan Cala has denied allegations he racially abused Mouctar Diakhaby; Diakhaby alleges “intolerable” racist words were used by Cala; Valencia release statement saying “Juan Cala, we don’t believe you”; This article contains racist terms some readers may find upsetting.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has opened official disciplinary proceedings against Cadiz’s Juan Cala over alleged racist abuse of Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby.The Cadiz player was accused of racially abusing Diakhaby during Sunday’s La Liga fixture between the two sides, which Cala has denied.Diakhaby and Cala were involved in a first-half confrontation and verbal exchange, which prompted the visiting team to walk off the pitch before later returning to complete the game.Valencia posted a video on Twitter on Tuesday in which Diakhaby alleged Cala used “intolerable” words in the exchange, but in a press conference on the same day Cala denied the allegation, saying he had not racially abused Diakhaby and had only said “leave me in peace”.

In a statement, the RFEF said it “considers it essential to act firmly in relation to any action or statement that is susceptible to violence, racism, xenophobia or intolerance in football.”Cadiz say they “fully agree and applaud that the RFEF opens an investigation”, adding: “We hope and trust that, for the sake of football, the investigation process will be completed”.Cadiz’s statement continued: “If the investigation ends, as we are sure, resolving the consistency of an unfair accusation against our player Juan Cala, that same body, following the same criteria, must take the necessary measures so that those who have accused without any evidence are punished.

“The Cádiz Football Club will defend its player from any type of unfounded accusation, just as in the reverse case it would have condemned and fought against any conduct contrary to the values demanded by the competition and our own entity.”Stop racism. No to racism.”