Vinicius Junior, 24, was the target of a new episode of racism this Friday (3) in Spain. The Real Madrid player was called a “monkey” by Valencia fans present at the Mestalla stadium, during a match in the Spanish Championship.
Videos circulating on the internet show fans of the home team shouting “mono” (monkey in Spanish) towards the Brazilian, who was provoked throughout the duel. In addition to the racist insults, whenever Real Madrid’s number 7 picked up the ball, he was booed. The fans also celebrated every tackle made by a defender in moves with the attacker.
At times, the athlete responded by making a number 2 with his fingers, in reference to Valencia’s fight against falling into the Spanish second division.
The most critical moment for the Brazilian in the match occurred in the 32nd minute of the second half, when the attacker ended up being sent off after attacking goalkeeper Dimitrievski.
The two had a disagreement in the penalty area. Referee César Soto Grado was warned by VAR assistant, Muñiz Ruiz, about the confusion. Soto Grado decided to punish the goalkeeper with a yellow card and send the Brazilian off.
The Brazilian was outraged by the referee’s decision, which led to confusion on the field. After being restrained, as he left the field, he heard more racist insults.
Without the number 7 on the field, Real Madrid managed to find a draw and turn the game around, which was won by the team from the Spanish capital 2-1.
On social media, Vinicius Junior did not comment on the racist episode and only apologized to his teammates for the expulsion.
“Sorry and thank you, team,” he posted.
It is worth remembering that, in May 2023, the Brazilian had already suffered racism at the Valencia stadium. The striker has been the constant target of these insults in Spain, but the 2023 episode was the most emblematic because three Valencia fans ended up sentenced to eight months in prison and banned from entering football stadiums for two years.
