Spanish football’s commitment to combatting racism has come under fire after its football federation handed a two-match ban to a goalkeeper who went into the stands to confront a man who had allegedly racially abused him. During a match between Rayo Majadahonda and Sestao River Club in a third-tier match, Cheikh Sarr said he heard racial slurs being hurled at him.

“Other times, it could be seen as something playful or a joke. However, this was not the case," he said. “I grabbed him and asked why he was insulting me. My attitude was not aggressive. I just wanted to ask him why.”

The match was suspended in the 84th minute after the referee sent off Sarr and his teammates walked off in protest. Days later, the Spanish Football Federation said that Sarr would be handed a two-match ban for “conduct that was contrary to good sportsmanship”.

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