The recent acts of racism towards Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr have resulted in seven individuals being punished for their actions.
Four men, who had hung an effigy of Vinicius near Real’s training ground in January, have been fined 60,001 euros (£51,700) each and given a two-year stadium ban. These individuals were arrested and subsequently released on bail by a Madrid court.
In addition, three other individuals, aged between 18 and 21, were fined 5,000 euros (£4,300) each and banned from stadiums for one year for making racist gestures during Real’s game against Valencia on 21 May. These individuals were apprehended two days after the match took place.
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These sanctions were imposed by Spain’s State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport, as announced by the country’s Sports Commission on Monday. Such measures aim to combat racism and promote a more inclusive and respectful environment within the realm of sports.
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Vinicius, whose red card for violent conduct late in the Valencia match was rescinded, later said the Spanish league “belongs to racists”.
La Liga president Javier Tebas and the league’s handling of the incident was widely condemned after he told Vinicius on social media that “you need to inform yourself properly”.
Tebas later apologised to Vinicius, saying he did not mean to “attack” the 22-year-old.
The Brazilian government called for severe sanctions against those responsible for the racial slurs and La Liga said it will seek “more sanctioning powers” to ensure it can punish such incidents.
Brazil will play friendlies against Guinea and Senegal in Lisbon on 17 and 20 June, as part of an anti-racism campaign.
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