Real file hate crime complaint after Vini Jr targeted by racist abuse
REAL Madrid say racism directed at Vinicius Junior constitutes a “hate crime” and have filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.
Brazil forward Vinicius was the subject of an alleged racist attack during Real’s 1-0 La Liga defeat at Valencia on Sunday.
The game was paused after the break as Vinicius pointed out to the referee those who were allegedly abusing him in the stands at the Mestalla and the 22-year-old later took to social media to say racism is “normal” in La Liga.
“Real Madrid CF shows its strongest revulsion and condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinicius Junior,” the club said in a strongly-worded statement on Monday.
“These facts constitute a direct attack on the coexistence model of our social and democratic state of law.
“Real Madrid considers
that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, for which reason it has filed the corresponding
complaint with the state attorney general’s office, specifically with the prosecutor’s
office against hate crimes and discrimination, so that the facts can be investigated and clear responsibilities.”
In a statement on Instagram, Vinicius - who was sent off for violent conduct in added time of Real’s defeat following an altercation with striker Hugo Duro - said: “It wasn’t the first time, not the second and not the third. Racism is normal in La Liga.
“The competition thinks it’s normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it. I am so sorry.
“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi, today belongs to the racists.
“And unfortunately with everything that happens on a weekly basis, I have no way to defend. I agree. But I’m strong and will go to the end against the racists. Even though it’s far from here.” La Liga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius’ post on Sunday by accusing the forward for “criticizing and insulting” the league.
In another tweet on Monday, Tebas said: “Neither Spain nor La Liga are racist. It is very unfair to say this.
“How La Liga we denounce and fight racism with all rigidity within our competences. This season there were 9 cases of racist insults (8 of them for insults against Vinicus Junior) “We always identify the violators and take the complaint to the legislating bodies. It doesn’t matter that they are few, they are relentless.
“We cannot allow the image of a competition that is about the symbol of peoples union to be tarnished, where more than 200 players are of black origin in 42 clubs that receive in each round the respect and affection of the fans, being the racism an extremely specific case (9 complaints) that we are going to eliminate.”
Valencia released a statement on their club website condemning what happened and confirming they will investigate what happened.
Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand took to Instagram in support of Vinicius and questioned player protection.