The case is gaining momentum. Three individuals suspected of having uttered racist insults against player Vinicius Junior have been arrested in Valencia, in the south-east of Spain, Spanish police announced on Tuesday May 22. In a contested encounter last Sunday, the Real Madrid striker was the target of discriminating insults, as well as monkey shouting.
“The police arrested three young people in Valencia today for the racist behavior that took place on Sunday during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid,” the police said. In the process, the video referee, who officiated on this meeting, was laid off, indicates the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
At the end of the match, a scuffle broke out between Valencia player Hugo Duro and Vinicius, requiring the viewing of the footage by the field referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. It resulted in Vinicius’ sole exclusion after Nacho Iglesias Villanueva showed the referee only the Brazilian’s gesture – Duro had previously held the Real striker by the neck.
“I don’t know if they manipulated them [the images, editor’s note] or if they just forgot to show them to him, but it is clear that Vinicius was assaulted. […] And when you are attacked, you need to defend yourself, ”Real coach Carlo Ancelotti told the press on Tuesday.
Regular target of racist attacks since his arrival in the Spanish capital in 2018, Vinicius Junior was targeted during this match counting for the 35th day of La Liga. These attacks, denounced by the player and by Real Madrid, prompted the Valencian public prosecutor’s office to open an investigation for “hate crime”, a criminal category including racist offenses in Spain. The Spanish Higher Sports Council (CSD) said it was analyzing the images to identify “the perpetrators of these insults and behavior to propose the appropriate sanctions”.
This new incident has sparked strong reactions in Spain where the presence of racism in stadiums has long been denounced by players and associations who consider the problem insufficiently taken seriously. “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The league thinks it’s normal,” the Brazilian forward posted on his Instagram account.
Spanish football has “a problem with racism”, acknowledged Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for “zero tolerance” against football. racism.
In Rio de Janeiro, on the night of Monday to Tuesday, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Corcovado, was extinguished for an hour in support of Vinicius.
