Villarreal let off with €12k fine

Villarreal have been fined but have escaped a stadium ban as punishment for the banana-throwing incident involving Dani Alves.

The Barcelona wing-back sparked a social media campaign against racism last month as scores of his fellow professionals showed their backing for his decision to eat a banana thrown at him by an opposition fan at Villarreal’s El Madrigal stadium.

A 26-year-old man was arrested and accused of racially insulting the Brazil international, and could face up to three years in prison if found guilty. He has also been banned by Villarreal from attending home matches for life.

Spain’s Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol confirmed the club has been fined as a result of the fan’s behaviour, with reports suggesting the fine amounted to €12,000.

The Spanish Football League (LFP) on Monday also issued a statement addressing recent incidents of racism in Spain, announcing the introduction of obligatory training courses for clubs.

Meanwhile, Internazionale have been fined €50,000 and given a partial stadium ban for next Saturday’s game against Lazio as punishment for racist chants directed at AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli during Sunday’s derby.

Balotelli, who once played for Inter, was the target of a section of Inter fans during the game the Rossoneri hosted and won 1-0.