Racism in La Liga: A Timeline of Incidents Affecting Vinicius Jr. in Spain
The sports world is a place in which none of the normal problems of the "real" world could possibly exist. Racism has been a huge issue in La Liga both during games and before/after games. There have been at least more than 50 players that have been victims of racial acts committed by players and fans.
Vinicius Junior, a 22-year-old Brazilian player for Real Madrid, is one of many who has experienced these acts of racism. This situation has been going on for two seasons now, starting in November 2021 in Barcelona.
“The Championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Messi, today belongs to racists,” said Vinicius Jr. on Twitter about La Liga.
November 2021: Camp Nou
Vinicius had previously brought up concerns about racist taunts from fans, but the La Liga investigation into a specific event didn't begin until 2021 when allegations of racism were made against a group of Barcelona supporters.
The case was subsequently turned over to the public prosecutor in Barcelona, but it was later dismissed since police "could not identify the perpetrators."
September 2022: Athlético Madrid
Prior to their 2-1 home loss to Real Madrid early in the 2022–23 season, Atletico Madrid supporters were seen on camera booing Vinicius outside the Estadio Metropolitano.
Following media reports, in an ill-advised appraisal of the situation, claimed Vinicius’ "provocative" behavior and goal celebrations were enraging opposing supporters, the situation worsened. After receiving criticism on television for dancing in celebration of a goal, Vinicius Jr. said that the comparison to a "monkey" was racist.
December 2022: Real Valladolid
When Vinicius returned after representing Brazil at the 2022 World Cup, Valladolid supporters attacked him at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, hurling obscenities and items onto the field as Real Madrid prevailed 2-0.
After receiving a storm of loud criticism for leaving the field, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti ultimately decided to replace his number 20.
January 2023: Atlético Madrid
On January 26th of this year, an Atlético Madrid fan hung an inflatable doll wearing a Vinicius Jr. jersey with a sign that said, “MADRID ODIA AL REAL”—translating to “Madrid hates Real.” Later that day, Atlético Madrid fans referred to Vinicius Jr. as a "monkey" and threw objects at him during Real Madrid's match against them at the beginning of this year as they competed against their city rivals.
The incident was swiftly condemned by both clubs, with Atletico issuing an apology and launching an investigation to identify those responsible. This was, however, not the first incident of racism in football. It highlights the need for continued efforts to combat this harmful behavior and promote unity and respect among all players and fans.
May 21, 2023: Valencia
On May 21, 2023, during a football match between Valencia and Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr.—Real Madrid's Brazilian forward, was subjected to a racist incident. Valencia fans allegedly directed monkey chants toward Vinicius Jr. during the match, unacceptable and despicable behavior that has no place in football or society.
The incident sparked outrage among fans, players, and officials, with calls for stricter punishment and measures to combat racism in football. Vinicius Jr. called for change and unity among players and fans to eradicate racism from the beautiful game, a sentiment echoed by many in the football community. The incident serves as a reminder that racism is still prevalent in football and highlights the need for continued efforts to combat it.
May 24, 2023: Rayo Vallencano
On May 24th, Real Madrid walked onto the soccer field while wearing Vinicius Jr. jerseys. Both teams Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano stood together to take a group picture while holding a banner that said, “Racistas, fuera del fútbol,” which translates to “Racist, Out of Soccer.” Fans were also holding a sign for Vinicius Jr., that reads, “Vinicius somos todos, basta ya,” which translates to, “Vinicius we are all, enough already.” In the 20th minute, fans began to chant his name in support of him—since his jersey number is 20 and because he was suspended during the Valencia game.
Aftermath:
Raphinha, a Brazilian player for Barcelona, revealed a message that he wrote on his tank to show his support to his fellow Brazilian friend. Raphinha wrote in Portuguese, “Enquanto a cor da pele for mais importante que o brilho dos olhos, haverá guerra.” ("As long as the color of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war.”)
Barcelona manager, Xavi, gave his opinion on Vinicius Jr. suffering racist abuse, “Matches should be stopped.” He continues, “It is the only profession in which insults are accepted, I don’t see any baker or teacher being insulted at work.”
A French soccer player, Kylian Mbappé, also gave to Vinicius Jr. on his Instagram story. Mbappé says, “You’re not alone.” He continues, “We are with you & we support you.”
After all the racist incidents towards Vinicius Jr., FIFA has made a decision to have the Brazilian national soccer team play two African countries teams, Guinea and Senegal, in Spain and Portugal. The games were played on June 17th and June 20th. At the beginning of both games, both teams sat down in a silent protest to stop racism.