Barcelona's Sergio Busquets could be banned from Champions League final after being charged by UEFA over 'racism'

Sergio Busquets has been charged by UEFA over allegations that he directed racist comments at Marcelo.

During the ill-tempered recent quartet of clasico matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Busquets was caught on video appearing to call Real defender Marcelo a 'monkey'.

if found guilty, Busquets could be suspended from the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on May 28.

  • VIDEO: Real Madrid TV accuse Sergio of racist remarks (1:54)

In a video posted by Real's in-house TV station, the footage shows Barca midfielder Busquets confronting the Brazilian during the Champions League semi-final first leg clash at the Bernabeu.

He allegedly taunted the full-back saying 'mono, mono', which translates in Spanish as 'monkey'.

It is was just one of a long line of controversies that overshadowed the string of matches between the two clubs this season.

A UEFA statement read: 'UEFA has started disciplinary proceedings against the FC Barcelona midfield player Sergio Busquets – with the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body to deal with the case on 15 May.

Row erupts: Real Madrid TV accused Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets of making racist remarks to defender Marcelo, allegedly branding the Brazilian a 'monkey'

Row erupts: Real Madrid TV accused Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets of making racist remarks to defender Marcelo, allegedly branding the Brazilian a 'monkey'

'UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against FC Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is alleged to have violated Article 11 bis of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by directing racist abuse towards a Real Madrid CF player in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between the clubs on 27 April.

'The proceedings have been launched on the basis of evidence provided by Real Madrid (video and statement of club and player). The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on Sunday 15 May and the decision will be communicated to the club on Monday 16 May.'

Clash: Marcelo tangles with Busquets (L) and Dani Alves during the semi-final first leg defeat at the Bernabeu

Clash: Marcelo tangles with Busquets (L) and Dani Alves during the semi-final first leg defeat at the Bernabeu

The incident was one of several in a heated two-legged tie between the two Primera Division giants,

Both clubs lodged complaints to UEFA after an ill-tempered first leg. Madrid were unhappy with the behaviour of the opposing players and the red card shown to Pepe, while Barca protested over Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's post-match comments alluding to favours from UEFA in big Champions League games and questioning the Catalan club's relationship with the European governing body.

The complaints were dismissed by UEFA, with Mourinho later handed a five-game European ban for his outbursts.

Bust-up: Both Real and Barca faced a series of UEFA charges

Bust-up: Both Real and Barca faced a series of UEFA charges


Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.