August 30 – Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has said his teammates are prepared to walk off the pitch if he faces more racist abuse from fans in LaLiga this season.
The Brazilian star has frequently been the target of racial abuse in Spanish stadiums and earlier this year three supporters were jailed over racist abuse at the Mestalla Stadium in what LaLiga claimed was the first verdict of its kind.
Speaking to CNN, Vinicius Junior said Real Madrid and its team would no longer tolerate racist abuse.
“In the club, we talk about it more often,” said Vinícius. “Not just me, but all [the] players said that if that happens, the next time everyone has to leave the field, 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 is 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, that each time is getting worse, we do need to leave the field so things can change as soon as possible.”
Vinicius Junior has become a leading voice in the fight against racism. In 2023, Brazil passed the Vinicius Jr law to combat racism at sporting events. In Spain, racism is a hate crime and La Liga passes incidents on to local prosecutors.
“Today I already see and feel the difference in Spain,” said Vinicius. ”Today – maybe [some fans] are still racists – but nowadays they are afraid to express themselves in the football field, and in places where there are a lot of cameras.
“And with that 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.”
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