1. Mouctar Diakhaby today became the latest victim of racism in football.
2. After receiving a racial insult -unacceptable in any circumstances- he was shown a yellow card for his protests.
3. We are proud of the support that Diakhaby received from his teammates, and of the decision taken to leave the field of play together.
4. We trust that the matter will be investigated.
5. We are disappointed that no official decision was taken.
6. The Club does not ask the players to return to the pitch. The referee informed the players of the consequences of not going back out onto the field of play. The players, forced to play under threat of penalty after the racist insults and the yellow card to Diakhaby, decide to return to the pitch.
7. Diakhaby requested that his teammates return to the pitch to continue the game. They respected his wish.
8. The events of today should not be repeated ever again on a football pitch.
9. Valencia CF strongly oppose racism in all forms and stands with Diakhaby. Today is a sad day for our sport.
10. Today was not a loss in a game. It was a loss respect, a loss of the spirit of football and sport.
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HIGHLIGHTS: VALENCIA CF - ATHLETIC CLUB
18 October 2026PARTIDO VALENCIA CF - AHTLETIC CLUB 17/10/26
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