News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 2 years ago
Home  » Sports » Racists have no place in a football stadium: Vinicius Jr

Racists have no place in a football stadium: Vinicius Jr

October 24, 2022 20:46 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Vinicius Jr kisses his jersey

IMAGE: Real's Vinicius Jr. is a victim of racist slurs from Atletico Madrid fans. Photograph: Susana Vera/Reuters

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. believes that fans found guilty of racist abuse should be banned for life from attending games.

The 22-year-old Brazilian was a victim of abuse in September when Atletico Madrid fans were filmed directing racist chants at him outside their Wanda Metropolitano Stadium ahead of their game against Real.

"If you hurt other people, you must pay. It's hard to say that (racism in soccer) will end with so many people still doing it. But I like to believe that there are more good people than bad," Vinicius told Brazilian TV Globo on Sunday.

 

"All the racist people must pay in some way. If they like to watch soccer, then those Atletico Madrid fans should never be allowed to step foot in a stadium again. That will make them suffer the consequences and reflect on their actions," he added.

Atletico and LaLiga condemned the abuse directed at Vinicius in the build-up to the Madrid derby, which Real won 2-1.

Local media also reported that monkey noises and chants of "Vinicius, die" were heard throughout the game.

Atletico said they are collaborating with authorities to identify the abusers who would be banned by the club. The Prosecutor's Office of Madrid is also investigating the case.

Pele, Neymar and other leading Brazilian figures defended Vinicius that same week after a pundit on a Spanish soccer show said the Brazilian was not respecting his opponents with his celebrations, comparing his behaviour to a monkey.

Vinicius published an emotional two-minute video statement in response to what he called a "xenophobic and racist" insult, saying he "won't stop dancing" and that "the happiness of a black Brazilian being successful in Europe bothers" many people.

Real Madrid released a statement supporting their player and declaring they will take legal action against the pundit.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Related News: Real, Madrid, Atletico, Vinicius, LaLiga

India In Australia 2024-2025