Persistence of Racism in Spanish Football: Vinicius Junior and Other Players Victims of Racial Discrimination

the brazilian player vinicius juniorwas once again a victim of racism, this time it was from the fans of the Valence. The case happened last Sunday (21) during Valencia’s victory over Real Madrid by 1 to 0. This is already the ninth case of racism involving the Brazilian. The Real Madrid striker has been the target of attacks and offenses from Spanish fans. In March of this year, during the derby against barcelona at the stadium Camp Nouthe crowd of barça chanted the scream “Vinicius Muerete”which translated into Portuguese means “Die, Vinicius”. In the match between Real Madrid and Madrid’s athleticfor the king cup, the crowd hung a black doll with Vini Jr.’s shirt. simulating a hanging.

_{Ronaldo Fenômeno and Vini Jr have both been victims of racism by Spanish fans. Photo: Getty Images}

In 2005, when Ronaldo Phenomenon defended Real Madrid, in a game against the Malaga at the stadium Santiago Bernabéu. The match was valid for the Spanish Championship. The Brazilian striker suffered curses when he was replaced by Michael Owen. Ronaldo even threw a bottle of water at the attackers. ”When I got close to the bench, two young men started to say racist words against me and my mother. I reacted the wrong way, but the insults were too heavy”, said the Phenomenon.

The Right Side, Daniel Alves, in 2014 he defended Barcelona. The crowd of villarreal threw a banana at the Brazilian, who reacted by peeling and eating the fruit. Villareal was fined 12,000 euros and the fan who committed the crime of racism lost his membership card and was permanently barred from attending the stadium.

Julio Baptistaa former Brazilian player was a victim of racism during his time at Seville in 2005. The player reported that he was the target of boos due to the color of his skin and criticized the Spanish Football Federation for its omission in the case of discrimination.

During the 2013/2014 season of the Spanish Championship, the Brazilian defender Paulowho acted for Betis, was the victim of a regrettable act of racism by the fans themselves. After receiving the second yellow card and being expelled, he witnessed the fans imitating monkeys and making obscene gestures. Deeply affected, the player left the field in tears.

A huge list of athletes can be mentioned as victims of racism by Spanish fans, including names like Marcelo, Samuel Eto’o, Paulo Wanchope, Carlos Kameni, Iñaki Williams, Rüdiger, Yaya Touré, Jefferson Lerma, among others. These cases of racism demonstrate the urgency of tackling the problem in Spanish stadiums.

Featured Photo: Vinicius Junior is the victim of racism again in a game against Valencia. Playback/Getty Images