Valencia’s players left the pitch in protest during their La Liga match at Cadiz after an alleged racist comment made to defender Mouctar Diakhaby.

Diakhaby reacted furiously following a clash with Cadiz defender Cala during the first half of the match at the Nuevo Estadio Ramon de Carranza.

After remonstrating with the referee, Diakhaby led Valencia’s players off the pitch.

Valencia’s players eventually decided to come back and continue the game, with the club saying in a Twitter post: “NO TO RACISM. The team have held a meeting and decided to continue the game, in order to fight for the honour of the club, but denounce racism of any kind.

“We offer our complete backing to Diakhaby. The player, who had received a racial insult, requested that his teammates return to the pitch. WE SUPPORT YOU MOUCTAR.”

Diakhaby did not return, with Hugo Guillamon coming on in his place.

Cala was also substituted at half-time and was replaced in the team by Marcos Mauro Lopez.

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