Vinicius, the talented Brazilian player, found himself at the centre of attention after accusing a fan from the Valencia ultras’ stand of directing racist insults towards him.
Vini doesn’t want to play anymore
There was chaos at Mestalla Stadium as an unfortunate incident unfolded during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid. Vinicius, the talented Brazilian player, found himself at the centre of attention after accusing a fan from the Valencia ultras’ stand of directing racist insults towards him. The situation quickly escalated, with players from both teams rushing to the scene and even the police getting involved. Caught on camera, Vinicius could be seen expressing his frustration, stating, “I don’t want to play anymore,” while repeatedly pointing towards the fan in question. Valencia’s captain, Jose Luis Gaya, took the initiative to engage in a conversation with Vinicius, seeking an explanation for the events that had transpired. The Brazilian player shared the details of the racial abuse he had endured, all while objects were being thrown onto the pitch from the stands.
The Brazilian promptly informed the referee about the racist remarks before the official approached Ruben Baraja
The incident originated when a second ball, thrown from the stands, collided with the ball Vinicius was playing with during a confrontation with Foulquier. In the ensuing confusion, Vinicius inadvertently struck Foulquier and knocked the ball away. The referee initially awarded a goal kick but corrected his decision after consultation with the Video Assistant Referee. It was at this point, in the 70th minute, that Vinicius began repeatedly pointing out the culprit responsible for the racist insults he had endured. Vinicius promptly informed the referee, De Burgos Bengoetxea, about the racist remarks before the official approached Ruben Baraja, the Valencia coach and the field delegate.
They arranged for an announcement to be made over the stadium’s public address system, condemning the racist behaviour. The situation reached a critical juncture, as the match risked suspension due to the three-step rule and FIFA’s updated disciplinary code, which allows referees to halt or forfeit matches in the event of racist incidents.
The referee reassured Vini
With each subsequent outbreak of insults, De Burgos Bengoetxea implored the field delegate to intervene, urging an end to the insults and the throwing of objects onto the pitch through the loudspeaker system. Vinicius himself identified a specific spectator, leading to a repetition of the announcement via the public address system. A third warning would have resulted in the temporary suspension of the match. The referee reassured Vinicius, stating, “Trust me, next time, we’ll leave.” FIFA’s rules clearly state that, except in exceptional circumstances, if the referee orders the definitive suspension of the match due to racist or discriminatory conduct, the offending team shall be declared the loser by abandonment or withdrawal.
Vinicius voiced his concerns about the lack of protection he feels he receives from La Liga
Vinicius Junior, unfortunately, became the focal point of the match due to the deplorable insults he endured. His frustration reached a boiling point, leading to an altercation where he struck Hugo Duro in the face after Duro had previously grabbed him aggressively from behind by the neck. Consequently, Vinicius was sent off. Expressing his disappointment on Instagram, Vinicius voiced his concerns about the lack of protection he feels he receives from La Liga. He pointed out that this was not the first, second, or third time he had encountered racism and refereeing controversies within the league. He went on to criticize the normalization of racism in La Liga, asserting that the competition, along with the federation and opponents, indirectly condone such behaviour.
Vinicius expressed his remorse for the negative portrayal of Spain as a racist country, emphasizing that it goes against his positive experiences and love for the nation. Despite the regularity of these incidents, he affirmed his determination to fight against racism. He concluded his message by stating that, although physically distant, he would continue to stand up against racism.