Barcelona could get fined this week after a chunk of their supporters aimed homophobic slurs towards Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, during the El Clasico last weekend. What is especially troubling is that the slurs weren't during the game but during the minute's silence just after the Johan Cruyff tribute.
The Spanish Institute for Lgbtfobia (Lesbian, Gay, Transexual and Bisexual) have filed a complaint after repeatedly hearing the slurs 'Cristiano fa****' being yelled about from the crowd.
The Director of the institute, Francisco Ramírez, released a statement condemning the insults and is deeply saddened by the regular occurrence during a majority of Barcelona games. "These deplorable and shameful acts are punishable, according to the Sports Law passed in 2007," he said.
"Players and referees have been repeatedly subjected to homophobic insults and as of present, no action has been taken to set a precedent that such behaviour is completely unacceptable. The continual homophobic presence in Spanish football has to stop.
"Those who suffer homophobic or xenophobic insults are not necessarily homosexual; the people behind it use it to insult, degrade and humiliate", Ramírez added.
This comes after the Catalan club signed a bunch of protocol directories with several LGBT organisations about the use of homophobic slurs and other acts of homophobia within the premises of the stadium and other official buildings.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was subject to these slurs, the player himself has not come out in the light reacting or even acknowledging it. However, he did silence the Camp Nou after scoring the winner late into the game condemning Barcelona to their first loss in 39 matches.
The Portuguese is subject to vile chants and slurs during most of his matches given his prowess on the pitch but is often seen smartly ignoring and not paying the slightest aorta of concern for such language.
Barcelona, however, will now have to comply with the Institute and ensure they can reach an agreement on curbing their fans' rage. For now, their immediate focus will be in the UEFA Champions League where they take on Atletico Madrid later tonight.
