Referee halts La Liga game under racism protocolImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia stopped the Elche v Espanyol game after an allegation of racism Published23 minutes agoSunday’s La Liga match between Elche and Espanyol was paused for three minutes under Uefa’s racism protocol, the match referee has indicated in his report.Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia wrote that he halted the game after Espanyol’s Omar El Hilali reported Elche’s Rafa Mir had made a racist comment to him, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague., external
The incident occurred in the 78th minute.
Under Uefa’s protocol, the referee will stop a game if a player reports alleged racism, and give details to the fourth official.
Espanyol later posted a picture of 22-year-old Spain-born Morocco international El Hilali on social media with the message “with you”.
La Liga reported: “We condemn any racist act. On the field and off it, there is no place for those who hate.”
Elche reported, external that they condemn any discriminatory act but asked for caution in the “absence of evidence”.
Mir scored a 90th-minute penalty as the match was drawn 2-2.
