Valencia players leave pitch after Diakhaby racially abused vs. Cadiz

Valencia game's against Cadiz was halted in the 36th minute on Sunday when Mouctar Diakhaby was racially abused by Juan Cala. 

The Valencia players left the pitch in support of their teammate but did later return to resume the game. 

Left-back Jose Gaya later said that they had been threatened with losing the points if they didn't re-start the La Liga match in the south of Spain. 

However, Valencia defender Diakhaby didn't come back out with his teammates and was substituted by the coach, Javi Gracia. 

"In the changing rooms we were told if we didn't return, we would be sanctioned," Gracia said after the game, which Cadiz won 2-1 thanks to an 88th-minute winner. 

"We spoke with Diakha, about how he was, and he told us he wouldn't play but he understood perfectly we had to continue to avoid a possible sanction. So we returned."

Cadiz have since released a statement criticising all forms or racism and saying anyone being racist should be punished -- even if it is someone on their team. 

However, their statement adds that they Cala says he didn't racially abuse Diakhaby and they say they "don't doubt" their player. 

La Liga have yet to comment on the incident.