Vinicius Júnior points to fans during Real Madrid's match against Valencia — later removed. Credit: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid filed a hate crime complaint over insults that Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior received against Valencia.
The complaint was filed with the Spanish prosecutor's office , and separately, Vinicius accused Tebas of being «equal to racists» for «appearing on social media attacking me»; rather than criticize those who insulted him.
This followed a previous post by Vinicius, in which he said that «racism is normal in La Liga» and that «a league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to the racists.»
He also said that Spain, which he calls a «beautiful country», is now «known as a country of racists».
Madrid's match against Valencia was stopped on Sunday evening during the second match. half after the 22-year-old Brazilian pointed out to the referee the fans who were abusing him.
Vinicius, who had already been subjected to repeated racist abuse from fans this season, became furious and was later sent off. the timing of his team's 1-0 defeat after an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro. It was the first red card of his career.
Vinicius Junior leaves the field after receiving a red card. Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz 
Fans react when Vinicius leaves the field after a red card. Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
French striker Kylian Mbappe wrote on Instagram: “You are not alone. We are with you and we support you" but Tebas said that Vinicius Jr. did not attend the two «agreed dates» to discuss the matter. “Don't be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other's competencies and the work we do together,” Tebas said.
Vinicius Jr.'s response: “I'm not your friend to talk about racism. I want action and punishment,” Tebas prompted another post on Monday afternoon.
“Neither Spain nor La Liga are racist,” he said, saying his organization “fights against racism most resolutely within our competence.” Tebas said there were nine incidents of racist abuse, eight of which were against Vinicius Jr.
“We always identify guilty criminals and bring complaints to the relevant authorities, which have the right to punish them,” he said. “However few they may be, our efforts are tireless. We cannot allow the reputation of a competition that is primarily a symbol of unity between communities, where more than 200 black players from 42 clubs are greeted with respect and love by fans every week, to be tarnished" He also stated that «cases of racism are extremely rare» in Spain.
Absolute chaos! 😬
Vinny Jr. is now DELETED! 🟥
Minutes after looking like he was the target of abuse, the Real Madrid star sees red pic.twitter.com/4dXlvESrQ0
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK), 21 May 2023
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also issued a statement on Monday calling on all competitions to implement what he calls a «three-step process» whenever racist violence occurs. This is, firstly, that the match is stopped and an announcement is made in the stadium. Secondly, the players leave the field and the spectators are told that the match will be suspended if the abuse continues. Finally, if the offense continues, the match is awarded to the team whose supporters are the offenders.
“Sometimes we focus on the victims and tend to forget the perpetrators,” Infantino said. “They should be blamed first and foremost, not football or the system. Racists should be banned for life from football stadiums around the world and prosecuted in their country because racism is a crime.”
Manchester United and Vinikuis midfielder' former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro has also put pressure on La Liga to make changes, offering support to his Brazilian compatriot.
“I am disappointed and very saddened that I am ashamed to see episodes of racism being repeated with my teammate Vinicius Junior,” said Casemiro.
“We cannot continue to tolerate this problem that goes beyond sport, affects the entire society and remains unpunished.
“Public condemnation is not enough, punishment is necessary. La Liga must urgently take demonstrative measures because these repeated cases of racism cast a shadow not only on Spanish football, but on the entire world of football. And that feeling should be unanimous: zero tolerance!”
In another statement on Monday, Vinicius Jr. added: “What is missing to criminalize these people? And punish the clubs in a sporting manner? Why don't sponsors charge La Liga? Hasn't TV bothered to broadcast this barbarism every weekend?
"The problem is very serious and press releases don't work anymore. Blaming me also does not justify criminal acts. This is not football, this is inhumane.
The Spanish prosecutor's office must now decide whether to open a criminal investigation.
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