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March 16, 2024
Vinicius Jr., exhibiting incredible bravery, seemed to be the focus of taunts from Atletico Madrid supporters before their Champions League round of 16 matchup against Inter Milan on Wednesday. Social media user “It’s a sad reality that even happens in games where I’m not present,” wrote with bravery. In an effort to support the young player, LaLiga also pledged to report the incident.
Following this week’s “racist and hateful insults” directed towards Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid has lodged a complaint with the Spanish legal authorities.
Before their Champions League match against Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid fans are seen in a social media video chanting a racist epithet.
Real Madrid claims that before their Tuesday matchup against Napoli, supporters of Barcelona allegedly chanted similar things.
In support of Real Madrid, Spain’s La Liga announced on Thursday that it would report the incident involving the effigy of Vinicius Jr. This move underscores its commitment to combating racism in sports and reinforces the need for unity among football organizations. By taking action, La Liga aims to send a strong message that such discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
Real Madrid released the following statement: “Real Madrid has filed a complaint against hate crimes and discrimination with the Attorney General’s Office, regarding the racist and hateful remarks made about our player Vinicius Jr. near the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic and the Metropolitan Stadium of Madrid.
“Real Madrid condemns these violent attacks of racism, discrimination, and hatred that have been taking place, unfortunately repeatedly, against our player Vinicius Jr.
“Our club will continue to work in defense of the values of football and sport, and will remain firm in its fight for zero tolerance in the face of such disgusting episodes as those that continue to occur in recent times.”
Carlo Ancelotti called for a “zero tolerance” policy toward racism in Spanish football as he once again defended Vinicius.
“The problem is there, I believe it is. I am not going to change my opinion,” Ancelotti said on Friday.
“I think Valencia responded very well after their episode (with racism). It is others who have to act now. When we talk about zero tolerance, it is for us and for everyone.
“I think it is necessary to act and eradicate these problems. They are very ugly things that affect everyone in our society. Criminals (who perpetuate racism) should not be out on the street, they should be somewhere else.”
Vinicius Jr had responded to the video on X, saying: “I hope you have already thought about their punishment, UEFA.
“It’s a sad reality that [it] even happens in games where I’m not present!”
In recent years, the 23-year-old Brazilian has experienced numerous instances of racial abuse throughout Spain.
Following Real Madrid’s victory over their hometown rivals Atletico on the road in September 2022, Atletico denounced “unacceptable” pregame chants directed at Vinicius Jr. by a “minority” of supporters.
After hanging an effigy of Vinicius Jr. close to Real Madrid’s training ground in January 2023, four men were fined €60,001 apiece and prohibited from entering stadiums for two years in June of last year. There have been calls for stricter measures against racist behavior in football after the incident, which drew widespread condemnation, brought attention to persistent racism in the sport.
Three other people were also punished on the same day for making racist gestures during Real Madrid’s May game at Valencia, receiving a fine of €5,000 and a one-year ban.
Reports of additional racist taunts directed at Vinicius Jr. surfaced this season when Real Madrid played at Sevilla in October, Barcelona the following week, and Valencia earlier in the month.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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