Real Madrid has released an official statement following the racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr. in La Liga.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. was subjected to racist chants from some fans of Valencia in the La Liga fixture played on Sunday, May 21, 2023, and this action has led to a direct response from Los Blancos.
Real Madrid in an official statement confirmed that the actions and words towards Vinicius Jr were questionable and as such have taken the necessary legal steps and have reached out to the office of the Attorney General of Spain to address the issue.
The statement read:
Real Madrid C. F. strongly condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinícius Junior. These events represent a direct attack on the social and democratic model of coexistence of our State based on the rule of law.
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Real Madrid believes that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, and has therefore filed the corresponding report with the Attorney General's Office, specifically with the Prosecutor's Office against crimes of hatred and discrimination, in order for the facts to be investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Article 124 of the Spanish Constitution stipulates that the role of the Public Prosecutor's Office is to promote the pursuit of justice in defense of legality and the rights of citizens and the public interest. Given the seriousness of the events that took place, Real Madrid has appealed to the Attorney General's Office, without prejudice to its standing as a private prosecutor in any proceedings that may be initiated.
What Happened To Vini Jr. In The La Liga?
On Sunday, May 21, 2023, Brazilian Vinicius Jr. had been subjected to racist chants from fans of Valencia in the away fixture of Real Madrid in the La Liga. Vinicius Jr. had identified the individuals who had been involved but the chants had continued which also led to an on field fight and saw Vini Jr. receive a straight red card.
The Brazilian had been vocal about his distaste for what had happened on the pitch on his social media account.
This had not been the first time the football star would be subjected to such actions from fans in the La Liga.
What Did FIFA Say About The Vini Jr. Racism Incident In La Liga?
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino had voiced his support for Vinicius Jr. indicating that there is no room for racism in football. The president also questioned the actions of the referee who had officiated the fixture indicating that the match official had not followed the guidelines FIFA had put in place for a situation like this. The statement had read:
Full solidarity to Vinicius. 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.
What Did Other Footballers Say About The Vinicius Jr. Racism Incident?
Football stars like Rafael Leao, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, and other Real Madrid stars have voiced their support for Vinicius Jr. Football legends like Rio Ferdinand and Ronaldo have also showed support for the football star as well.
The incident had also attracted a reaction from the president of Brazil who also showed support for the football star after the incident.
What did La Liga Say About Vini Jr. Racism Incident?
The president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, has come under fire following his shocking comment on social media about the racial abuse suffered by Vini Jr. in the La Liga.
The statement had read:
“We have tried to explain to you what La Liga is and what it can do in cases of racism, but you have not shown up to either of the two agreed dates that you yourself requested.
Before criticising and insulting La Liga, you need to inform yourself properly Vinicius.
Don’t let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand the work we have been doing together.”
