Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has condemned racist abuse on Barcelona players during a high-octane El Clasico clash at Santiago Bernabeu.
Barcelona players Ansu Fati, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha were reportedly targeted for racial abuse by irate Real Madrid fans during the match.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from various quarters with Vinicius Jr lending his voice to express his solidarity with the victims and condemn the perpetrators.
Taking to his social media handle, the footballer expressed his support for the affected Barcelona players and called on his club Real Madrid and other relevant Spanish authorities to take action.
In his words, there should be no place for perpetrators of racial attacks in the society.
“It is regrettable what happened yesterday at the Bernabeu with racist insults. There is no place for this criminals in our society. All my support to Lamine, Ansu, and Raphinha. I know that Madrid and the police will do things to identify and punish the guilty,” a translated version of his message reads.
Real Madrid issue statement on alleged racist attack
Real Madrid, who have been at the forefront of the fight against racism in Spanish football, have issued a statement to the effect of the allegations.
The club reiterated their hardline stance against all forms of racism while expressing its unflinching support for racist victims. They also revealed the club have opened an investigation into the incident to bring the culprits to justice.
“Real Madrid strongly condemns any kind of behaviour involving racism, xenophobia or violence in football and sport, and deeply regrets the insults that a few fans uttered last night in one of the corners of the stadium.
“Real Madrid has opened an investigation to locate and identify the perpetrators of these deplorable and despicable insults so that the appropriate disciplinary and judicial measures can be taken.”
Vinicius Jr: the focal point of football racism in Spain
Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Vinicius Junior has been at the center of the fight against racism in Spanish football.
Recent incidents have included abusive chants at Valencia’s stadium and an effigy in a Vinicius shirt found hanging from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground. Police recently arrested four men for an online hate campaign against the player.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga have taken steps to tackle an increase in racist abuse with measures including partial stadium closures.
Real Madrid fans reportedly targeted Lamine Yamal after the 18-year-old scored Barcelona’s third goal in the match and celebrated in front of the home fans.
Raphinha also suffered a similar after he scored the Catalan’s fourth and final goal of the match and celebrated. Fati was also targeted during the celebrations.
Notably, Vinicius Jr’s decision to call out the erring fans and implore relevant authorities to take action underscores the footballer’s resolve to stand up against racist abuse no matter the context. He has constantly been a victim and speaking in support of his targeted opponents is great way to disarm his critics and reassert his integrity.
Real Madrid suffered excruciating defeat in the El Clasico
Meanwhile, it was a dark night at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid as Barcelona steamrollered to an unlikely 4-0 victory in Spain’s capital. A brace from Robert Lewandowski and two more goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha sealed the victory for the Catalans.
The top-of-the-table clash saw Barcelona extend their lead on top of the La Liga table to six points to boost their chances of winning the title.
