Spanish soccer league under racism cloud in fallout from El Clasico clash

Spanish leaders Barcelona return to league action away to Valencia tomorrow after a typically charged El Clasico in the cup where Dani Alves claims he was subjected to racial abuse.

With the league title seemingly out of sight, as Real Madrid trail Barca by 15 points, it means there is added incentive for Jose Mourinho's men to beat their arch-rivals in the semi-final of the Spanish Cup.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, but the aftermath was overshadowed by Barcelona's Brazilian defender Alves claiming he was subjected to racial abuse at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"It is a shame, however you are feeling [about the game] people should be there to support their team and there are too many racist insults," he said.

"Sadly it is a lost battle because until they take more drastic action then it will continue. I didn't think of walking off the pitch. This wasn't a one-off, it happens in a lot of stadiums.

"They need to punish clubs but not with fines like €1,000 or €2,000 [up to HK$21,000]. They need to be heavier. In England, you would be unlikely to see this happen. In Spain there isn't respect in football stadiums."