Brazil to notify Spanish authorities after racism against Vini Jr
On Sunday (May 21), Brazil's Ministry of Racial Equality announced its intention to prompt Spanish authorities to take decisive action following yet another distressing incident of racism endured by Brazilian player Vini Jr., the striker for Real Madrid. The unfortunate episode occurred during the match against Valencia at Mastalla Stadium, the opponent's home ground.
"We strongly condemn another act of racism targeting Vini Jr. We will notify the Spanish authorities and La Liga [Spain's soccer league]. The Brazilian government stands firmly against racism, both within and beyond our borders! We are committed to ensuring that every black Brazilian athlete can pursue their sport free from violence," declared the Ministry of Racial Equality in a social media statement.
After his team's 1-0 defeat to Valencia, Vini Jr. was subjected to racist insults uttered by thousands of fans shouting "monkey". The match was suspended for approximately eight minutes as a result, and the player was subsequently involved in a confrontation, leading to his dismissal from the field.
Following his participation in the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced his solidarity with the Brazilian athlete, considered one of the world's best players. The president emphasized the need for decisive action from international football governing bodies like FIFA, as well as the Spanish league and all soccer leagues worldwide, to prevent the invasion of "racism and fascism" within the sport.
"It is unacceptable that racial prejudice is gaining strength in numerous soccer stadiums across Europe, especially at this point in the 21st century," he expressed. "It is unjust that a talented young man, who has achieved great success and is possibly on his way to becoming one of the world's best players – undoubtedly the best at Real Madrid – is subjected to such offensive treatment in every stadium he visits," Lula further remarked.
Repugnance
This is not the first time the player has been attacked. In his social media, Vinicius Junior expressed his repugnance towards La Liga.
"It was not the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism has become normalized in La Liga. The league thinks it is normal, so does the federation, and opponents encourage it. I am deeply saddened," Vinicius Junior stated.
