Real Madrid News latest: Vinicius Jr has suffered a lot of racial abuse this season and last weekend was no different
Following Real Madrid’s defeat to Valencia last Sunday, Vinicius Jr was the subject of a racial abuse. In the course of the game, a fan was heard shouting racial taunts at the winger. There was a stop in play and according to La Liga broadcasters, an announcement was made in the stadium to stop the racial taunts.
This is not the first time Vinicius has been abused racially this season. Also, despite on the frequent condemnations, the issue still remains the same. A report from CNN claims that Spanish police have been able to identify one of the reporters who was involved in the taunts but have not issued any arrests yet.
Following the incident, Vinicius said: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga.”
“The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.”
Real Madrid also released an official statement to condemn the act and citing that they have filed a complaint at the State Attorney General’s Office regarding the issue: “Real Madrid CF shows its strongest revulsion and condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinícius Junior.”
“These facts constitute a direct attack on the coexistence model of our social and democratic State of law.”
“Real Madrid considers that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, for which reason it has filed the corresponding complaint with the State Attorney General’s Office, specifically with the Prosecutor’s Office against hate crimes and discrimination, so that the facts can be investigated and clear responsibilities.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also offered his support for the Brazilian. While condemning the act, Infantino highlighted a three-step response to incidents of racism during games. This response is expected to be implemented in football leagues all around the world.
“Full solidarity to Vinicius,” he said. “There is no place for racism in football or in society and FIFA stands by all players who have found themselves in such a situation. Events during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid show that this needs to be the case.
“That is why the three-step process exists in FIFA competitions and it is recommended at all levels of football. Firstly, you stop the match, you announce it. Secondly, the players leave the pitch and the speaker announces that if the attacks continue, the match will be suspended. The match restarts, and then, thirdly, if the attacks continue, the match will stop and the three points will go to the opponent.
“These are the rules that should be implemented in all countries and in all leagues. Clearly, this is easier said than done, but we need to do it and we need to support it through education.”
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