Two notable clubs in Brazil, Flamengo and Cruzeiro staged a protest against racism in support of Real Madrid star, Vinicius Jr.
Recently, Vinicius Jr faced racial abuse during Real Madrid’s match at the Mestalla vs Valencia a fortnight ago.
Following that encounter, several reactions came to the fore with notable names across the globe showing their discontent over the distasteful act.
And in like manner, Vinicius Jr’s former club Flamengo wore jerseys with “Vini Jr” inscribed on the front.
They also partook in a seated protest with the opposition Cruzeiro for the first 36 seconds of the encounter.
In the stands of the Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho popularly known as the Maracana, thousands of fans made a tifo which read “everyone with Vini Jr” last Saturday.
Vinicius Jr also took to Twitter to thank his former club for the gesture, as he posted a picture of the Maracana studium with the caption: “Thank you for everything!!! I was born FLAMENGO and I will always love you!!! 🖤❤️✊🏿
Brazil have also displayed several signs of support with their star in recent weeks.
Rio De Janiero’s striking Christ the Redeemer statue turned off its light a particular night after the Valencia game in support of Vinicius Jr.
The City’s massive bayside Ferris wheel last week showed a clenched black fist and the scrolling words: “EVERYONE AGAINST RACISM.”
The Mayor of Rio De Janiero’s support to Vinicius Jr
Rio De Janiero’s mayor, Nelson Ruas dos Santos took to Twitter the morning after Vinicius was subjected to racial discrimination to share his support for his fellow countryman.
He wrote: “My total repudiation of the episode of racism suffered by our ace and the pride of all of us in Sao Goncalo.”
Mayor Eduardo Paes was a bit infuriated with Vinicius Jr when he replied to a defense issued by the president of the Spanish La Liga.
Eduardo Paes responded: “Go to hell, son of a…”
The La Liga has been criticized many times for how it has been treating the issue of racism and it now appears the league has waken up to its responsibility.
Despite the Spanish La Liga asking for amendments on the law regarding racism in order to dish out punishments to racist, it appears they still aren’t doing enough on their own part.
Valencia’s partial stadium closure was dropped from five games to three games with the first fine of $48,000 now lowered to $29,000.
Vinicius Jr didn’t feature in Real Madrid’s victory over Rayo Vallecano and sevilla due to a slight knock picked up in the Valencia clash.
In support of the Brazilian, his teammates wore the No 20 shirt, players past and present in football also sent out their backing of the 22-year-old.
Some fans also hoisted a banner showing solidarity with the winger, which reads: “We are all Vini, enough is enough.”
The gesture in the Flamengo against Cruzeiro encounter is a very commendable one and it definitely sends a message to racists that the game “Truly is for all”.
Flamengo and Cruzeiro battled to a 1-1 draw at the Maracana with both sides sharing the spoils of the encounter.
Both sides sit like siamese twins in the Brazilian top-flight division as Flamengo sit 7th while Cruzeiro sit 6th on the log.
