Vinicius Junior: Brazil and Spain to play friendly as part of anti-racism campaign in support of Real Madrid star
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Published 13/06/2023 at 22:39 GMT+1
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been on the receiving end of racist abuse in La Liga, and now Brazil and Spain have announced a friendly will be played between the nations as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of the Brazilian. The friendly will be played at Santiago Bernabeu in March. "There is no place for racist insults in our football," said RFEF president Luis Rubiales.
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Brazil and Spain are to play in a friendly as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior.
The friendly will be played at Santiago Bernabeu in March as announced by Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales who met Brazilian CBF counterpart, Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Brazil international Vinicius has been repeatedly targeted by racist abuse this season in La Liga while representing Los Blancos.
"There is no place for racist insults in our football," said Rubiales.
Rodrigues added: "It is important to understand that harder punishment needs to be applied in cases of racism by the football authorities.
"Fines are not enough. The clubs need to be held accountable too.
"CBF was the first football federation to adopt harder sanctions for cases of racism, such as the deduction of points in league standings, closure of stands or the lifetime expulsion of club members.
"We need to lead a campaign worldwide to fight against this virus that shames everyone in football."
Last month, Vinicius claimed “racism is normal in La Liga” and said the league “belongs to racists” after he was sent off during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Valencia after being targeted by racist chants from the stands.
The Brazilian also hit out at Liga president Javier Tebas after he told Vinicius to “inform yourself properly”.
Tebas apologised for what he insisted was a misinterpreted tweet, saying “my intent was not to attack [him]”, while claiming he would "end racism in stadiums within months" if the league body had more power.
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