**Racism Still a Problem in Football: Incident Halts Spanish Second Division Match** In a disturbing turn of events, a match in the Spanish second division was halted temporarily after an alleged incident of racism was reported on Saturday. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of tackling racism in football, a problem that is not unique to Spain or Europe, but also affects various sports leagues in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). According to reports, the match between CD Mirandés and Girona FC was paused for a few minutes after an alleged racist comment was made towards a player. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Spanish football, and it raises concerns about the effectiveness of measures to prevent racism in the sport. In Nigeria, football fans and players have also been victims of racist remarks and slurs, often directed at them from opposing teams' fans. In 2020, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) suspended the NPFL match between Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers due to racist comments made by the home team's fans. The incident sparked a heated debate about the need for stricter measures to prevent racism in Nigerian football. The Spanish football federation has been working to address racism in the sport, but the recent incident suggests that more needs to be done. The federation has a zero-tolerance policy for racism, and players and fans who are found guilty of making racist comments can face severe penalties, including fines and bans. In Nigeria, football stakeholders, including the NFF and clubs, must also take a firmer stance against racism in the sport. This can include educating fans about the consequences of racism, implementing stricter measures to prevent racist comments, and providing support to victims of racism. Ultimately, the fight against racism in football requires a collective effort from players, fans, and stakeholders. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and respectful sport that is free from the scourge of racism. **Sources:** * Vanguard News * Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)