Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been the target of racial abuse to a degree perhaps never previously seen in 21st century Spanish football, with over 20 recorded incidents of racial abuse occurring in the last three years. The Brazilian has led the charge against racism in recent years, publicly calling out La Liga President Javier Tebas for the lack of action.
In particular, one incident at Mestalla saw Vinicius point out racial abuse, but later sent off as his temper understandably rose. The Brazilian has told CNN that he and his teammates have discussed the matter, and were something similar to happen again, they would leave the pitch.
“In the club, we talk about it more often. Not just me, but everyone said that if that happens, the next time everyone has to leave the pitch, so that all of those people who insulted us have to pay a much bigger penalty.”
“In the case of what happened in Valencia, after the game, after we thought about it, everyone said that the right thing to do was to leave the field, but because you are there defending a team, we know that not everyone in the stadium is racist and were just there to watch the game.”
“It’s always very difficult to end a game, but with everything that’s been happening, each time it is getting worse, we do need to leave the pitch so that things can change as soon as possible.”
Currently the protocol is that a referee will warn the crowd over the loudspeaker, temporarily halt the game and then permanently stop the game if a racist incident occurs three times. This is yet to happen.
Vinicius’ action has seen the first jail sentences handed out for racism at a football match in Spain though. The 24-year-old has said that he can already see it making a difference.
“Today I already see and feel the difference in Spain. Today – maybe some are still racists but nowadays they are afraid to express themselves at a football pitch, and in places where there are a lot of cameras.”
“And that way we will reduce racism, little by little. Of course, we won’t be able to end it, but I’m already happy that I’m being able to change Spain’s mindset.”
Racial abuse in Spanish football has been on the rise in recent years, but hopefully the increasing vigilance and desire to punish those guilty of abuse, as Vinicius says, more or less keep the scourge to a minimum.
Image via Photo by PETER ZAY/AFP via Getty Images