Referee activates anti-racism protocol in Spanish league game between Espanyol and Elche

MADRID — Espanyol and Elche played to a 2-2 draw on Sunday in a LaLiga contest that was briefly halted late in the match after the referee invoked the competition’s anti-racism protocol. The interruption came toward the end of regulation, forcing players and officials to pause while the officiating crew followed the established procedure. Once the protocol was completed, play resumed and the scoreline held, leaving both sides with a point after an eventful afternoon at the RCDE Stadium.

Spanish league authorities have not yet released further details on what prompted the referee’s decision or whether any subsequent investigations will follow. The result keeps Espanyol and Elche locked in the tight mid-table shuffle as the season heads into its final stretch.