FRMF Supports El Hilali Amidst Racist Comment Allegation in La Liga Match
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has publicly backed international player Omar El Hilali following an incident during a La Liga match. The game, held on Sunday between Espanyol and Elche, took a turn when El Hilali reported a racist comment directed at him by Elche forward Rafa Mir.
Incident Details
The incident occurred in the 78th minute of the match. El Hilali alerted referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia about the alleged racist remark. According to El Hilali, Mir said, “You came here by boat,” a statement that is often used in Spain to insult migrants.
In response to the allegation, the referee activated Spain’s anti-racism protocol, pausing the match for three minutes. However, the officiating crew did not hear the comment. Mir has denied the accusation, claiming he threatened El Hilali by saying, “I’m going to smash your head,” which he stated was not racially motivated.
FRMF’s Response
- The FRMF expressed its unwavering support for El Hilali.
- The federation condemned all forms of racism and discrimination.
- The FRMF reaffirmed its commitment to tolerance and fair play in sports.
La Liga’s Anti-Racism Protocol
La Liga has established a three-step protocol for addressing racism during matches. Referees have the authority to:
- Stop the match
- Temporarily suspend it
- Abandon the game if racial incidents persist
Background on El Hilali
Omar El Hilali, who was born in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat near Barcelona, holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationalities. He is no stranger to racist abuse; in October 2023, a fan insulted him during a match for FC Cartagena. A Spanish court later sentenced that supporter to eight months in prison for the offense.
El Hilali’s Perspective on Racism in Spain
Despite experiencing racism, El Hilali does not believe that Spain is a fundamentally racist country. In a December 2024 interview, he noted the welcoming nature of the country, stating, “If it were, my father would have returned to Morocco quickly.” He acknowledged the existence of racists, but claimed that their behavior is not reflective of the majority.
Next Steps
Following the match, La Liga authorities will review the referee’s report. They will determine if disciplinary action should be taken regarding the incident.
As a result of the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, the focus remains on the ongoing issues of racism in sports and the efforts required to combat it effectively.
