Gay rights group complains over Cristiano Ronaldo abuse

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).

“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.