La Liga investigation finds no proof Juan Cala racially abused Mouctar Diakhaby
By Ross Jackson
La Liga have revealed they are unable to prove that Juan Cala racially abused Mouctar Diakhaby, though they insist investigations into the matter are ongoing.
The alleged incident occurred during Cadiz's win over Valencia last Sunday. Cala and Diakhaby were involved in a brief exchange which clearly left the Valencia man distraught, with both him and his teammates temporarily leaving the field.
The Valencia players have walked off the pitch at the Carranza ?
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) April 4, 2021
Mouctar Diakhaby was visibly angry after an altercation with Cadiz's Juan Cala, and ultimately left the pitch with his teammates following behind him pic.twitter.com/3XKvm5Y9dc
Diakhaby was pictured crying in the tunnel and had to be replaced as his Valencia side re-emerged to resume the game.
A whole host of statements between both the clubs and individuals involved have since been released, with Cadiz protesting their player's innocence and both Diakhaby and Valencia standing by their initial allegations.
Following an investigation into the matter, La Liga have now revealed they have not been able to prove the allegations are true, though they will continue to analyse the footage available.
“After an analysis of all the elements, it was concluded that in none of the available media was found any proof that the player Juan Torres Ruiz [Juan Cala] insulted Mouctar Diakhaby using the alleged terms," the statement read as reported by The Athletic.
“All available audiovisual and digital files were analysed, including the images broadcast and spread on different social networks. To be able to complete the case, a specialised company was contracted to do lip-reading analysis of the conversations and study the behaviour of the players Juan Torres Ruiz and Mouctar Diakhaby.
“La Liga has shared these reports with the clubs involved and the relevant authorities, so they can be used during the other investigations which are still ongoing at this moment."
Shortly after the La Liga statement was released, Valencia responded with a statement of their own via their official website, claiming Diakhaby still has the full support of everyone at the club and that just because the racial slur could not be heard doesn't mean it wasn't said.
"According to the videos and audio available, the investigation cannot confirm 'EVERY' word that Diakhaby heard in the minute 28 of the game last Sunday vs Cadiz", the statement read. "The fact that no proof has been found does not mean that the matter did not occur.
"Valencia CF wish to highlight that La Liga have carried out their own investigation, but that the club have by no means changed our opinion on what occurred in the game, and maintain our full support for Diakhaby."