Real Madrid have filed a complaint with the Spanish prosecutor over alleged “racist and hate insults” aimed at Vinicius Junior by supporters of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The Brazilian forward has regularly been targeted by opposition supporters in Spain, most recently at Valencia – the club that outlawed three fans for racially abusing Vinicius in May and were subject to a three-game partial stadium ban imposed by the Spanish football federation.
A video on social media appeared to show Atletico Madrid fans chanting a racist slur towards Vinicius ahead of their Champions League last 16 clash with Inter, while Barcelona fans were filmed chanting “Vinicius, die” in the lead up to their match with Serie A champions Napoli.
A statement from the 14-time Champions League winners said in response: “Real Madrid has filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office against hate crimes and discrimination, for the racist and hateful insults directed towards our player Vinicius Jr in the vicinity of the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic and the Metropolitan Stadium of Madrid.
“Real Madrid condemns these violent attacks of racism, discrimination and hatred that have been taking place, unfortunately repeatedly, against our player Vinicius Jr.
“Our club will continue to work in defence of the values of football and sport, and will remain firm in its fight for zero tolerance in the face of such disgusting episodes as those that continue to occur in recent times.”
Vinicius responded to the video circulating on social media on Thursday afternoon, posting: “I hope you have already thought about their punishment @ChampionsLeague @UEFA, it’s a sad reality that this even happens in games where I’m not present!”
La Liga confirmed on Thursday that the prosecutor’s office that specialises in hate and discrimination crimes will be contacted in regards to the chanting, with an investigation already underway for the racist abuse Vinicius encountered against Valencia on March 2.
