Valencia Heavily Fined for Racist Chants as Vinicius Jr Red Card Overturned

Vinicius Jr has received widespread support since Sunday’s sickening abuse

After the Real Madrid forward received racial abuse on Sunday, the Spanish FA rescinded the red card that was given to Vinicius Jr. and slapped Valencia with a partial stadium shutdown.

At the Mestalla Stadium, the 22-year-old Brazilian winger was subjected to racial shouts from the home crowd. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the match’s referee, also dismissed him in the closing moments.
Vincius Jr.’s red card was, however, officially reversed by the Spanish FA on Tuesday night. Additionally, they said Valencia had been fined €45,000 (£40,000) for the fans’ actions and would have to shut down the section for five games as punishment.

A statement from the Spanish Football Federation 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.

See also

Sports, Travel

Istanbul Kicks into High Gear for International Kickboxing World Cup

“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.”

The harrowing scenes were slammed by Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti after the match, who questioned the lack of action from the relevant authorities. “We have been complaining about this abuse all season and nothing!” the Italian said referencing the previous occasions that Vinicius Jr has been abused this season. “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.”

Following the game, Vinicius Jr. also criticized the taunts. Goal’s translation of what he stated on Twitter is as follows:

“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.

“I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.

“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.

“I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”

Following Sunday’s abuse, several players have come out in Vinicius Jr.’s defense, including Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker. The head coach of Real’s fiercest rivals Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez, also criticized Valencia’s supporters and backed Vinicius Jr.

As he departed the field, Barcelona forward Raphinha unbuttoned his shirt to reveal a vest that said, “As long as the color of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war.” I am with you, Vinicius.

Given that his red card was nullified, Vinicius Jr. might play against Rayo Vallecano for Real Madrid.