La Liga launches investigation following allegations of racial abuse against Vinicius Junior in Real Madrid’s match against Valencia

A video shared on social media allegedly showed a person using racist language towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during their match against Valencia.

Chirag

March 3, 2024

Vinicius Junior Receives Racial Abuse — Alex Caparros/Getty Images

According to The Athletic, a video circulating on social media, shared by ESPN Brazil, purportedly captured a young individual using racist language directed at the Madrid star, who netted both of his team’s goals at the Mestalla on Saturday. The report mentions that police were summoned during the match, and now the Spanish league will probe into this matter.

This occurrence follows less than a year after Vinicius endured racist taunts at the same venue. Having previously faced discrimination and receiving a red card during his last visit to the stadium in May 2023, the 23-year-old’s alleged encounter with racial abuse once again is utterly unacceptable. It underscores that Spanish football still has significant strides to make in addressing racial issues.

Following the racist incidents at Valencia’s ground last year, Vinicius voiced his disappointment, stating, “La Liga belongs to racists” In an Instagram post, he expressed, “The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists. It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the federation does too and the opponents encourage it.”

As La Liga delves into this latest incident, the Madrid star is expected to feature in their upcoming matches, including the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, followed by a La Liga encounter against Celta Vigo on Sunday.