Gay rights group complains over Cristiano Ronaldo abuse

Updated 05/04/2016 at 08:47 GMT

A Spanish gay rights group has filed a complaint alleging that Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to homophobic abuse by Barcelona fans in Saturday’s Clasico.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo sits on the pitch

Image credit: Reuters

The Spanish Observatory against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender phobia took up the complaint with Spain’s State Commission against Violence in Sport after sections of the Barca support were heard to chant “maricon” – an offensive term used to describe a gay man.

Observatory director Francisco Ramirez said of the abuse from the Camp Nou stands: “These deplorable and shameful acts are punishable according to the law of sport (2007).

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Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo has been the continued object of insults and malicious rumours regarding his sexual orientation from journalists, players and fans of rival teams in order to humiliate, offend and denigrate a great football player.

“It is necessary to clarify that homophobia does not necessarily mean that people who suffer are homosexual, but only that other people believe it or use it to insult, harass and humiliate others.”

The State Commission can impose punishments on clubs and supporters who are found guilty of such offences.