Real Oviedo fan arrested for racial abuse towards Kylian Mbappe | OneFootball

Police in Spain have detained a man on charges of alleged racial abuse, which occurred during Real Oviedo’s home clash against Real Madrid on the 24th of August. The incident occurred with abuse directed towards Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe.

After the game, footage emerged where monkey noises could be heard directed at Mbappe, after which police opened an investigation. Sport say that the man in question has been arrested after making monkey noises and gestures, after an exhaustive analysis of the video and audiovisual evidence, with the incident occurring in the 37th minute, coinciding with Real Madrid celebrating Mbappe’s first goal on the night.

Real Oviedo collaborating with police investigation

Real Oviedo President Martin Pelaez announced swiftly that they would be collaborating with the authorities, but in recent days had declared that the investigation had thrown up no evidence of note. It appears the police must have found fresh evidence. Meanwhile La Liga have reported the incident to the Anti-Violence Committee, who can also take action.

Punishments that could follow

The man in question could be facing a prison sentence of up to three years, and a fine with a top of €650k. It should be noted that this is the maximum sentencing, and punishments of late have seen far ligher fines, and sentences of around a year.

That was the case in the most recent sentencing, where a fan who abused Inaki Williams in a case dating back to 2020 was fined a little over €1k, and given a 12-month sentence. Valencia fans who were found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Junior were handed eight-month sentences in a landmark first prison sentence ruling for racism in football was handed down. While the vigilance and action from the justice department is on the rise in Spanish football, it remains evident that it is still not a sufficient deterrent.