Umtiti 'racially abused' during Espanyol game

Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by city rivals Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday. However, there was more controversy to follow after the game.

Spanish newspapers 'Sport' and 'Marca' have claimed on Monday that defender Umtiti was racially abused in an altercation with the home side's winger in which he was allegedly called a "black s***".

TV footage of the incident shows the Frenchman reacting furiously, repeatedly shouting "why this phrase?" in Spanish as team-mate Gerard Pique had to hold him back. 

In the reports, they suggest that match referee Jesus Gil Manzano noted the incident in his official match report as arguments continued into the tunnel after the final whistle.

However, Manzano does not mention directly a racist comment nor the players involved given the stereotypically fiesty encounter between the eternal rivals.

Garcia apparently sought out Umtiti in the away dressing room though to apologise for his actions, which the former Lyon defender accepted.

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona will make an official complaint to the Spanish FA, who could investigate the allegations themselves.

4 February 2018