Raphinha was booked on Tuesday night after removing his shirt in solidarity with Vinicius Jr after the Real Madrid star was racially abused.
The disappointing scenes have been condemned all across Europe in recent days and many high-profile individuals have spoken out in support of the young Brazilian.
Vinicius was also shown a red card by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in the final moments of the LaLiga clash, which Valencia won 1-0.
Raphinha, who plays for Madrid’s rival team Barcelona, further showed his support for his countryman during his side’s 3-1 loss at Real Valladolid on Tuesday night.
The former Leeds United attacker who was substituted later in the match was booked for removing his shirt to reveal the message under his vest.
The message read: “As long as the color of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war,” and the back of his vest read: “We are together, Vinicius.”
Raphinha’s heartfelt solidarity came the same evening that Valencia’s stadium was partially closed by the Spanish Football Federation due to the racist chants aimed at Vinicius Jr. on Sunday.
Spanish Football Federation also confirmed that they had overturned the red card that was shown to Vinicius in the closing moments of the match.
This they said in a statement which read: “The competition committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, more specifically the Mario Kempes south stand, following the events that occurred during the First Division National League Championship match between the local team and Real Madrid CF.”
“It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his minutes, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, a Real Madrid CF player, during the aforementioned match, altering the normal course of the match and considering the infractions very serious.”
“In addition, an economic sanction of 45,000 euros is imposed on Valencia.”
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti condemned the action and called for relevant authorities to take action which they did and sanctions were imposed against Valencia.
Ancelotti said in the post interview referencing previous occasions that Vinicius Jr has been abused this season that: “We have been complaining about this abuse all season and nothing!”
“It has reached the point where the manager must consider taking off his player because the game is not being stopped. There is something wrong with this league if this happens.”
Raphinha
Raphael Dias Belloli also known as Raphinha, is a Brazilian footballer who was born on 14 December 1996 and plays as a winger for Barcelona and the Brazil national team.
Raphinha started his professional career with Avaí, but left for Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães in 2016, where he made his professional debut.
Sporting CP signed him after an impressive season where he spent a year before signing for French club Rennes.
He joined Leeds United after a year before moving to Spanish side Barcelona in a deal reportedly worth £50 million.
