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 includes racist language some readers may find distressing
Wednesday 7 April 2021 16:31, UK
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.
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."
The incident occurred just before the half-hour mark after Diakhaby collided with Cala as Cadiz launched a free-kick into the Valencia box.
The French defender was visibly angry and after an exchange in which he had to be held back by team-mate Kevin Gameiro and Cadiz's Fali, he was shown a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
After speaking to the referee further to explain the reason for his outburst, the player walked off the pitch and down the tunnel alongside his team-mates with the game poised at 1-1.
The match then resumed 24 minutes later following discussions among the Valencia players, with captain Jose Gaya revealing Diakhaby had asked the team to continue without him.
Diakhaby was replaced by Guillamon, while Cala remained in the Cadiz line-up upon the restart until being substituted at half-time. Cadiz went on to win the match 2-1 at the Carranza Stadium.
A tweet from Valencia after the match stated they offer their complete backing to their player.
It said: "The player, who had received a racial insult, requested that his teammates return to the pitch. WE SUPPORT YOU MOUCTAR. NO TO RACISM."
After the game, Gaya said: "Diakhaby mentioned to us there were some insults from the opposition, and we are not going to accept that."
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