Vinicius Junior was given his first La Liga red card after elbowing Hugo Duro, a star for Valencia, during Friday night’s game.
A second ball was thrown onto the field from the crowd while Vinicius was dribbling down Real Madrid’s left side, which is when the incident started. Eray Comert, a defender for Valencia, mistakenly kicked the ball off towards Vinicius while attempting to kick it off, earning Comert a yellow card and giving Madrid a free kick.
However, when Vinicius pointed to a supporter in the audience and indicated that something had been shouted, the situation worsened. Despite having the ability to stop play, discussions were held with players and referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea. The game continued despite warnings about racial remarks being broadcast over the stadium speakers.
When the 22-year-old trudged off, he was greeted with a chorus of boos and had to be physically restrained by Los Blancos teammates. Vinicius Jr was spotted raising his fingers up just before leaving the field, indicating that Valencia was moving down to LaLiga 2. The incident happened shortly after Vinicius Jr. was the target of cries from some spectators at Estadio Mestalla.
The player grabbed the referee by his throat and gestured towards the hecklers. Over the course of his career, he has endured numerous instances of racial abuse. After the game, the Brazilian made a strong statement in which he insisted that racism is “normal” in Spain’s top division.
He tweeted after the game: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. In football they think it’s normal, the federation does too – and the opponent encourages it.
“I’m so sad. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racism.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.
“I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for something that happens each week, I have no defence. I let it happen.
“But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if it is far from here.”
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti added on Twitter: “Today has been a sad day at Mestalla, where a group of fans have shown their worst version. It is time to stop talking and act forcefully. Racism cannot have a place in football or in society. NO TO RACISM ANYWHERE.”
Meanwhile, Valencia issued a statement confirming an investigation into the attack on Vinicius Jr has been launched.
“Valencia CF wishes to publicly condemn any type of insult, attack or disqualification in football,” the statement read.
“The club, in its commitment to the values of respect and sport, publicly reaffirms its position against physical and verbal violence in stadiums and regrets the events that occurred during the LaLiga matchday 35 match against Real Madrid.
“Although this is an isolated episode, insults to any player from the rival team have no place in football and do not fit in with the values and identity of Valencia CF.
“The club is investigating what happened and will take the most severe measures. In the same way, Valencia CF condemns any offence and also requests the utmost respect for our fans.
“Apart from these isolated incidents, Valencia CF would like to thank the more than 46,000 fans for their assistance and support for the team in the game this Sunday, May 21.”
