MADRID (AP) — Valencia player Mouctar Diakhaby talked about being the victim of an intolerable and hurtful racial insult. Cádiz defender Juan Cala spoke about the shock of being accused without proof and becoming a villain.
Diakhaby, who is Black, wants action from soccer officials. Cala wants an apology.
The players at the center of this weekend’s incident spoke publicly on Tuesday, telling contrasting versions of what happened in Sunday’s Spanish league match between Valencia and Cádiz.
Diakhaby reiterated he was insulted and described the obscene language used against him. Cala guaranteed he never used those words and said he will sue those accusing him without evidence.