Real Madrid’s Appeal Denied by Sports Court Over Homophobic Chant
GENEVA — The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected Real Madrid’s appeal against UEFA, following sanctions for fans’ homophobic chants aimed at Manchester City’s coach, Pep Guardiola, during a Champions League match. The court found the chants to be “of a severe discriminatory nature,” exceeding the boundaries of satire.
The detailed verdict, published by CAS, elaborates on the judges’ decision dated April 14. Real Madrid was contesting a 30,000-euro ($35,000) fine and a probationary order to close part of its stadium for a future Champions League match.
During a fixture last February, some Madrid fans directed chants at Guardiola, implying drug use and linking him to a gay-friendly district in Madrid. An expert witness testified that this was suggestive of the coach being “infected with HIV/AIDS,” according to the court document.
Real Madrid’s legal team argued that such expressions should be seen as humor or exaggeration when aimed at public figures or institutions.
Concerns Over Homophobia in Soccer
UEFA emphasized the ongoing issue of homophobia in soccer, describing it as “a long and deeply troubling shadow” over the sport. The organization’s lawyers noted the enduring culture of “machismo, exclusion, prejudice, and hostility,” which has affected many within the soccer community, sometimes with tragic outcomes.
Legal Disputes Between Real Madrid and UEFA
The hearing, conducted in Lausanne last September, occurred amidst Real Madrid’s prolonged legal battle with UEFA regarding the unsuccessful Super League proposal. UEFA argued that the club should combat discriminatory chants rather than engage in legal challenges.
The fine represented a mere 0.03% of Real Madrid’s earnings from that Champions League season, which exceeded 100 million euros ($117 million).
The incident, which happened during Madrid’s 3-1 victory in the knockout round’s second leg, was captured on video and submitted to UEFA by the Fare Network. This organization collaborates with FIFA to monitor discrimination in international competitions.
Real Madrid’s Defense Strategy
Real Madrid claimed that the Fare Network’s report contained “serious formal and substantive defects.” Initially, the club suggested that Manchester City fans might have been responsible for the chant.
Recently, Real Madrid and UEFA settled their separate Super League dispute, while CAS was finalizing its decision on the homophobic abuse case. Prior to a subsequent match against Manchester City, Real Madrid officials reportedly engaged with fan groups to prevent further abuse directed at Guardiola.
For more on soccer, visit AP News Soccer Hub.
