RFEF Backs Pacheta and Hidalgo After Disgraceful Abuse in Segunda
Spanish football federation condemns verbal abuse directed at Granada and Deportivo managers, encouraging coaches to report incidents to match officials.
RFEF Backs Pacheta and Hidalgo After Disgraceful Abuse in Segunda
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has thrown its full weight behind Granada’s José ‘Pacheta’ Rojo Martín and Deportivo’s Antonio Hidalgo after both managers faced appalling verbal abuse during recent LaLiga Hypermotion fixtures.
Zero Tolerance Approach
Through its Coaches Committee, the RFEF has issued a proper strong statement condemning any acts of violence in football stadiums, specifically addressing the incidents that both gaffers publicly reported following their respective matches.
It’s about time someone put their foot down on this nonsense. The atmosphere at some grounds in Spain’s second tier has been getting well dodge lately, with managers increasingly becoming targets for the sort of chat that would make your nan blush.
Protocol Activation Encouraged
The federation is actively encouraging all coaches to:
- Report abusive incidents directly to match officials
- Trigger the ‘Verbal Violence Action Protocol’
- Stand firm against continuous insults, serious threats, or discriminatory behaviour
This protocol was specifically designed to tackle the bread and butter of stadium abuse - racist, xenophobic, sexist and other intolerant remarks that have no place in the beautiful game.
Broader Social Campaign
The RFEF isn’t just paying lip service either. They’ve made it clear they’re committed to working alongside all relevant sporting institutions and wider society to eliminate this social plague from Spanish football.
In my years covering Spanish football, it’s crystal clear that the Segunda Division doesn’t get the same media spotlight as La Liga, which can sometimes create an environment where this sort of behaviour goes unchecked. The managers are often left to deal with the dog’s dinner of abuse without proper support.
It’s particularly significant that both Pacheta and Hidalgo felt compelled to speak publicly about their experiences. Their clubs - Granada and Deportivo - represent two of the bigger names in the division with serious top-flight history, which hopefully gives this issue the attention it desperately needs.
The ball’s now in the referees’ court to properly enforce these protocols when incidents occur, rather than turning a blind eye to keep games flowing. After all, respect should trump entertainment every day of the week.