Cristiano Ronaldo Complaint Lodged Against Barcelona by Gay Rights Group

The Spanish Observatory, a gay rights group, has filed a complaint with the State Commission against Violence in Sport in Spain after Cristiano Ronaldo allegedly received homophobic abuse in Saturday's El Clasico with Barcelona at the Camp Nou. 

According to Wally Downes Jr. of the Sun, some Barcelona supporters directed the chant "maricon" in Ronaldo's direction—a "Portuguese term [that] is a derogatory word of Latino origin that describes a gay man."

Per Downes Jr., the State Commission against Violence in Sport can impose sanctions "on federations, clubs and supporters found guilty of violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance." According to Downes Jr., director of the LGBT Observatory Francisco Ramirez said:

"

These deplorable and shameful acts are punishable according to the law of Sport [2007].

For months the Real Madrid player [Ronaldo] has been the continued object of insults and malicious rumours from the tabloids, and also from sports journalists and amateur players to rival teams, in order to humiliate, offend and denigrate a great football player.

It is necessary to clarify that homophobia does not necessarily mean that people who suffer are homosexual, but only that other people believe it or use it to insult, harass and humiliate others.

"

Per the Sun's Matt Heath-Smith, there has been speculation regarding the Los Blancos star's private life, with the media in Spain reporting he frequently travels to Morocco to spend time with friend Badr Hari, while journalist Daniel Riolo alleged on French sports chat show Touche pas a mon sport the pair "cuddle."

Given his stature and cocksure demeanour, Ronaldo often attracts jeers from opposition fans but has repeatedly stated the criticism simply drives him on to play better rather than crumble under the pressure.

Bleacher Report UK also shared some of the abuse the forward received during El Clasico after he bagged the decisive goal in the 2-1 victory for Real:

Here is the strike, per Sky Sports La Liga:

Boos have done little to stop the superstar throughout his career, and the goal was his 42nd of the campaign and 16th against Barcelona, which ended their incredible 39-game unbeaten streak.

ESPN's Maximiliano Bretos and Taylor Twellman hailed his impact:

Of course, homophobic comments go far beyond the chants or criticism players come to expect from opposition supporters.

With the complaint officially filed, action could well be taken to ensure such chants are dealt with accordingly.