- Marcos Acuna was the alleged target of racist abuse by the crowd on Saturday
- Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr branded Getafe incident ‘despicable’
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Vinicius Jnr branded alleged ‘racist and xenophobic’ abuse directed at Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna and the club’s coaching staff during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Getafe as ‘despicable’.
The incident comes less than a week after the Real Madrid star broke down in tears during a press conference where he discussed the impact of racist abuse he suffered while playing in Spain.
Experienced centre-back Sergio Ramos scored the only goal of the match to boost Sevilla’s hopes of avoiding the LaLiga slide, but the result was overshadowed by accusations of abuse from the crowd towards Argentina international defender Acuna and the visiting coaches.
“We condemn the racist and xenophobic abuse suffered by Marcos Acuna and our coaching staff during Getafe v Sevilla,” Sevilla wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The claims come in the same week that Spain and Brazil drew 3-3 in a friendly match as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of Vinicius.
Vinicius Jnr branded alleged ‘racist and xenophobic’ abuse directed at Seville’s Marcos Acuna as ‘despicable’
The match was overshadowed by allegations of crowd abuse towards Argentina international defender Acuna
Vinicius sent his support to Argentina international Acuna after being informed of the alleged abuse
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The Brazilian has been the target of racist abuse throughout his time in the Spanish capital and is a staunch campaigner against discrimination.
Vinicius went to X to show his support for those facing alleged discrimination at the Estadio Coliseum, and drew attention to another incident in Spain’s third tier.
Rayo Majadahonda players walked off the pitch and refused to return in their match against Sestao after goalkeeper Sheikh Sarr was allegedly targeted with racist abuse.
‘I’m not even playing this weekend. But this Saturday alone we had three despicable cases of racism in Spain,” Vinicius wrote.
‘All my support for Acuna @AcunaMarcos17 and coach Quique Flores, from @SevillaFC. To Sarr and @RMajadahonda, may your courage inspire others.
‘Racists must be exposed and the matches cannot go ahead with them in the stands. We will not win until the racists leave the stadiums straight away and go to jail, a place they deserve.”
A statement from LaLiga on the social media platform added: ‘There is no place for racist or hateful behavior in sport.
“LaLiga strongly condemns all acts of racism and will continue to work to eradicate this inexcusable behavior from our sport.”
Meanwhile, Napoli players took a knee before Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Atalanta in apparent protest at the decision not to punish Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi over allegations of racism.
The incident comes less than a week after the Real Madrid star burst into tears during a press conference discussing the impact of racist abuse.
Meanwhile, Napoli’s players took the knee before Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in apparent protest at the decision not to punish Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi over allegations of racism.
Napoli defender Juan Jesus accused Italy international Acerbi of making an insulting comment regarding skin color during a 1-1 draw between their clubs earlier this month.
But the case was dismissed by a Serie A sports judge on Tuesday due to a lack of evidence.
Jesus admitted he felt ‘very bitter’ and ‘dejected’ by the decision, while Napoli said it was ‘amazing’ that Acerbi was not sanctioned.
The club added that they would no longer participate in “anti-racism and anti-discrimination initiatives of football institutions.”