The bags of Borja Iglesias and Aitor Ruibal, symbols of the fight against hate in football, are being showcased in a temporary exhibition by LaLiga

In response to the criticisms directed at Real Betis players, LaLiga demonstrates that the power of our football is a driving force in combating hate in sports, and that the collective momentum generates positive change in society.

The bags of Real Betis players, Borja Iglesias and Aitor Ruibal, will be temporarily exhibited at LEGENDS, The Home of Football, presented by LaLiga, highlighting that the strength of our football has the power to combat hatred in sports. LaLiga continues its mission to make football more inclusive and diverse through actions that inspire the rest of society with its values.

LaLiga has been working for years in the fight against violence, racism, and intolerance, both inside and outside stadiums, and subsequently reports them to the relevant authorities. Each week, LaLiga submits a report of complaints to the Competition Committee of the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) and the National Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sports. Additionally, the competition acts as a plaintiff in all possible legal proceedings.

Last month, the two football players became victims of hateful comments for carrying a bag at an event. In response to the criticism, the players showed an exemplary attitude for both football and society. They became role models that LaLiga applauds and who embody its values: Making it count, Leaving a mark, Aiming high, and Doing what is right.

In line with these values, during the presentation of the bags by the players, Borja Iglesias emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces. He said, "I believe that everyone should feel free and comfortable with themselves while respecting others, and I also believe that we need to start creating that comfortable environment where everyone can be who they want to be."

On the other hand, Aitor Ruibal expressed gratitude for the support they have received since the beginning of the criticisms. He said, "The comments don't matter much to us, but there are people who suffer a lot and are repressed in their actions. It is clear that we have all gone through the process of 'what will people say,' and we are privileged to have many people behind us, support that many others do not have."

Alongside these messages of hate, the Real Betis players also received a tremendous amount of support and messages of encouragement from their teammates and fans. In this regard, and to demonstrate that the strength of our football is a driving force in combating any violent attitude in sports and inspiring the creation of a more inclusive society, the competition aims to pay tribute to the players for their ongoing commitment to promoting a football free of hate.

The two accessories will be exhibited on the first floor of LEGENDS, The Home of Football, in the dedicated LaLiga space. The aim of this exhibition is to raise awareness that this type of messaging has no place in football or in today's society. Additionally, alongside the bag exhibition, LaLiga will include a manifesto that celebrates the attitude of its players.

Our players, Borja Iglesias and Aitor Ruibal, received hateful comments simply for carrying those bags. Unfortunately, these attitudes still exist today, and there is still much work to be done to eradicate them. Let's hope that in the future, we can say that these things are in the past. At LaLiga, we stand with the message of freedom from the Real Betis players. Borja, Aitor, thank you for inspiring us and setting an example. Together, we can build a more inclusive football.

Together against hate.

From July 10th to August 1st, the special exhibition will be available at LEGENDS, The Home of Football, and all visitors will have the opportunity to see it, spread the message, and encourage participation in building a better football.