Valencia published a note entitled “In defense of our fans” in which it demonstrates its dissatisfaction with the documentary “Baila, Vini”, released last week by Netflix. In the text, the Spanish club says it sent to the platform a written message and threatens lawsuits.
Audiovisual production addresses the career of Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid. A part of the film is dedicated to the episodes of racism experienced by the player at Mestalla stadium in Valencia, where he was repeatedly cursed by Valencia fans.
“Given the injustice and falsehoods committed against the Valencia CF fans, the club required in writing an immediate rectification from the documentary producer ‘Baila, Vini’ for his retraction of what happened in Mestalla, which does not correspond to reality. The truth and respect for our fans should prevail. Valencia CF reserves the right to take the proper legal action,” says the note.
The 24-year-old has suffered a series of racist insults throughout his career and started reporting them, as he did in Mestalla. In the player’s view, the fight against discrimination made him lose the 2024 Golden Ball dispute, handed over by France Football to Manchester City’s Spaniard Rodrigo Rodrigo.
Last week, five fans from another club, Real Valladolid, were convicted by Spanish court to a year in prison for racist insults against Vinicius. The case took place during a Spanish championship match in the 2022/23 season at the José Zorrilla Stadium in Valladolid.
According to the conclusions of the Public Prosecution Service, the curses addressed to the athlete had “the clear intention of humiliating and injuring the dignity of the player for obvious racist reasons.” These conclusions – and also a fine of 1,620 euros (R $ 10,300) for each one – must be ratified by the Valladolid Court on Wednesday (21).
Shortly after the episode, in December 2022, Vinicius wrote: “Racists continue to go to the stadiums and watch the world’s largest club closely, and Laliga [entidade que organiza o Campeonato Espanhol] Still doing nothing. I will continue with my head up and celebrating my victories and Madrid. In the end, it’s my fault. “
