Racism: "I expect La Liga to support" in the fight against this "virus" - Kanoute

Frederic Kanoute. A Malian-French former professional striker. Born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France, September 1977. He played for several top-tier European clubs. He had his greatest success with Sevilla, a Spanish club. Kanoute played for France U-21 (1998-1999) and Mali (2004-2010). Photo of Kanoute: HaroldCunningham-UEFA/UEFA via Getty

Former Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute has called on La Liga to throw its full support behind the battle to eradicate the "virus" of racism.

La Liga is set to resume this month after a
lengthy enforced suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kanoute welcomed the return of top-flight football in Spain amid the COVID-19 crisis but says racism is a battle La Liga must tackle head on.

"I'm looking forward [to La Liga's return] and I don't want to break the positive mood but just to remind, first, many people have struggled with this virus [COVID-19], so our thoughts and hugs from La Liga to these people who have struggled with the virus," said Kanoute, who was speaking at a La Liga ambassadors' news conference.

"But also, I wanted to remark there is another virus, unfortunately, which is called racism. 

"And we see that there are still other people who are struggling with this other virus which is very bad too. 

"I expect from us and La Liga to support all the actions in order not to tolerate any racism gesture anymore, on the pitch and away from the pitch. I just wanted to send this little message."

La Liga is due to restart on June 11.