Childish rows ruining famed football rivalry

BARCELONA led Real Madrid 3-2 on Wednesday night in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup final. The teams had drawn 2-2 in the first leg. Both were thrillers.

In the third minute of extra time, Real Madrid’s Marcelo hacked down Cesc Fabregas, who was making his much-heralded debut for Barcelona, on the touchline by the two dugouts. The ref immediately drew a red card. Monkey chants echoed around the Camp Nou.

Spain is 30 years behind the English Premier League, and other European leagues, in tackling racism. The scurrilous behaviour of Barca’s fans has gone unpunished. Instead, another media storm rolled in denouncing the actions of Jose Mourinho.