Players in Spanish 5th-Tier Match Threatened with Red Card for Speaking Basque

Players were warned in a fifth-tier match in Spain that they could be sent off for speaking Basque.

The match in question was between Elgoibar and Idiazabal in the Gipuzkoa province, which is part of the autonomous Basque region. As relayed by Marca, Elgoibar coach Omar Aizpuru said after the game that match official Manuel Sarrion Gonzalez "threatened to expel" players who spoke in Basque during the encounter.

Denis Itxaso, who is the Culture and Sports Deputy, demanded an explanation from the authorities.

"Sport is a useful tool for the promotion of the Basque language," said Itxaso, per Marca. "These type of episodes do nothing but create a lack of respect towards the language and heritage. Basque is an official language and the attitude of this referee can't be overlooked."

According to The Independent, the referee involved in the controversy was not able to speak Basque.

It was noted by Idiazabal president Matias Aranburu that the referee had warned the players not to use Basque before the game as he "wouldn't be able to pick-up on insults or unsavoury language," per AS.

In the same report, it's noted Gonzalez is from Andalusia. 

Like Catalonia, the Basque community has its own language and traditions. There are currently four teams from the region in the top flight: Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, Eibar and Alaves.