Real Betis have released a brief statement in indirect support of its player Paulao, after apparent racist abuse from his own fans.
Television footage during Los Beticos’ 4-0 derby defeat to Sevilla on Sunday evening seemed to show the player as subjected to racist chants and monkey noises as he walked from the pitch having been shown a second yellow card in the first half.
Whilst there was no mention of this from the player or anyone at the game post-match, Spanish and international Press have picked up on the matter and Betis have responded with a brief statement through their official Twitter account.
“Real Betis condemns any act of violence or racism whether it is against one of our players or that of an opponent.”
The Seville outfit could face a punishment over the matter, which is not the first instance of their fans allegedly racially abusing one of their own during the derby.
Earlier this season, two Elche fans were identified and fined for racist chants during a League match against Granada, but the club escaped punishment.
