Following racial abuses heaped on Brazil International Vinicius Jr last Sunday, Valencia have been slammed with hefty punishments for the actions of their fans.
The club placed 13th on the Spanish La Liga have been fined €45,000 and will have to shutdown the section of the stadium where Vinicius Jr was racially abused.
After a ruling by the Spanish Football Association, they gave a verdict that the Mario Kempes stand where the racial chants aimed at the Brazilian emanated in Valencia’s 1-0 victory last Sunday be closed for five matches.
The Spanish Football Federation put out a statement which reads:
“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.”
Valencia have just one remaining home game this season
The Los Ches have one more home game left to play this campaign meaning the punishment would also continue in the first four encounters of next campaign.
Spanish police have also apprehended seven men in connection with different racial abuses targeted at Vinicius Jr.
Four were remanded in custody on suspicion of hanging an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge in Madrid last January with police stating three of the men are a “radical group of fans of a Madrid group” that were in the past put as “high risk”.
The effigy was hung on the morning of a Copa del Rey clash involving Real Madrid and neighbors Atletico Madrid, alongside the words “Madrid hates Real”.
Three other men were apprehended in Valencia on Tuesday regarding the racist abuse targeted at Vinicius during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss last Sunday.
Real Madrid have filed the abuse as a hate crime, while the Brazilian replied by saying La Liga “belongs to the racists”.
Several notable players past and present have offered their support to Vinicius Jr following a barrage of racial slurs which he has faced since he joined Real Madrid.
Some of whom include former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand who took to Instagram on Sunday after the game to share how disgruntled he feels over the situation.
He wrote: “❌Racists❌ Bro you need protecting….who is protecting Vinicius Jr in Spain ??
“He receives a red card after being choked and receiving racial abuse during the game….wtf
“How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this shit?? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help…and the authorities don’t do shit to help him.
“People need to stand together and demand more from the authorities that run our game. No one deserves this, yet you are allowing it.
“There needs to be a unified approach to this otherwise it will be swept under the carpet AGAIN.”
Compatriot and competitor in Spain, Raphinha was also seen during Barcelona’s encounter on Tuesday night against Real Sociedad showing solidarity to Vinicius Jr.
He wore a vest with a message on the front, aimed at the Real Madrid attacker and it read: “As long as the color of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war.”
The back of his vest read: “We are together, Vinicius.”
Vinicius Jr’s captain at Brazil and former Real Madrid midfielder, Casemiro also had his say over the incident.
Carlo Henrique Casemiro tweeted: “I feel disappointed and very sad to see, ashamed, how episodes of racism with my teammate Vinícius Junior are repeated.
“We cannot continue to tolerate this problem that transcends sport, affects the whole of society and goes unpunished. Public condemnation is not enough, punishment is necessary.
“La Liga must urgently take exemplary measures, because these repeated incidents of racism tarnish the image not only of Spanish football, but also of all world football. And the feeling must be unanimous: zero tolerance!!!!”
Several of Vinicius Jr’s teammates at Real Madrid including Rodrygo, Modric, Vazquez, Alaba, Kroos, Militao, Courtois, Ceballos amongst others have also provided backing to the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, La Liga has requested for a change to Spanish law in order to have sanctioning authority to help tackle racism more effectively.
La Liga seeks to amend the law
As of now, the authorities of the La Liga can only pick and report cases, but will now seek an amendment to the law that also gives them the ability to bring disciplinary action.
Carlo Ancelotti also expressed that he does not think Vinicius Jr will exit Real Madrid due to the constant racial abuse he has received.
However, he made a demand for more actions against those responsible for the distasteful act.
“I don’t think he will leave, because he loves football and he loves Real Madrid,” said Ancelotti. “His love for the club is very big and he wants to make his career here.
“Vinicius is sad. He’s not guilty. He’s a victim who can be painted as guilty sometimes when people say he’s provoking or talking about his attitude.
“No. Let’s make it very clear: Vinicius is the victim of all this.
“I want actions and nothing has been done yet. We’re worried about what’s happened, like everyone else.”
Additionally, the Red Card issued to Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia on Sunday has been rescinded by the Spanish FA.
The Brazilian is expected to return to action when Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday evening.
Who is Vinicius Jr and when was he born?
Vinicius Jr is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.
The 22-year-old was born on the 12th of July, 2000.
Is Vinicius married?
The former Flamengo attacker is engaged to Brazilian model and influencer Maria Julia Mazalli.
Maria Julia Mazalli is 5 years older than Vinicius.
Vinicius Jr’s religion?
He is a Christian.
Vinicius Jr’s net worth and salary?
Based on reports, his net worth is estimated at about $20 – 25 million and he earns £270,000 per week.
His market value?
According to Transfermkt, the market Value of Vinicius Jr is €120-million.
