Vinicius Jr: LaLiga investigating alleged racist abuse of Real Madrid winger in El Clasico against Barcelona

By James On Oct 29, 2023

LaLiga is investigating allegations of racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior during Saturday’s El Clasico at the Lluis Company Olympic Stadium.

The abuse is alleged to have occurred when Vinicius was substituted late in the second half during Real’s 2–1 win over Barcelona in which Jude Bellingham scored twice.

“La Liga has worked from the beginning to identify those involved in making racist insults and will bring the relevant charges as is always the case,” the league said.

“We are in direct contact with the police and FC Barcelona.”

Real Madrid would not comment yet, but Barcelona said: “We will always defend the values of football and sport, such as respect for the opponent, and we will investigate every racist insult that took place during this afternoon’s match against Real Madrid.”

Incidents of racist abuse towards Vinicius:

September 2022 – Atletico Madrid fans sing racist songs towards Vinicius outside their Wanda Metropolitano stadium before Real Madrid played them.
December 2022 – Vinicius appears to have been racially abused at Valladolid after being substituted.
January 2023 – An effigy of Vinicius is hung from a bridge near the club’s training ground before a match against Atletico Madrid.
February 2023 – Mallorca fans filmed Vinicius being racially abused during a match against Real.
March 2023 – La Liga says “unacceptable racist behavior was again observed against Vinicius” against Barcelona and reports the racist insults to the Barcelona court.
May 2023 – Vinicius is racially abused against Valencia. Three people are later arrested in connection with the abuse.
October 2023 – Sevilla supporter ejected from match against Real after allegedly uttering racist abuse towards Vinicius
October 2023 – LaLiga investigates allegations of racist abuse against Vinicius during El Clasico.

Just last week, a Sevilla supporter was ejected from the match against Real after allegedly hurling racist insults at Vinicius, who praised the club for its quick action.

The Brazilian also emphasized that it was the nineteenth time he had been racially abused.

Earlier this month he gave evidence in the trial of three Valencia fans accused of racially abusing him during a May match at Estadio Mestalla.