Real Madrid footballer Vinicius Jr. has once again become a victim of racism. The Spanish La Liga is investigating and asking for help to identify the perpetrator.
During Sunday’s match (05.02.2023) at RCD Mallorca on Sunday, at least one host fan insulted the Brazilian as “Mono” (“monkey”). This emerges from a video published by the broadcaster DAZN.
The Spanish league then began investigations. “Once again, racial slurs have been used against the player Vinicius, which cannot be tolerated. The league is working with the host club to identify those responsible.”La Liga announced on Monday.
Mannequin and chants
Spanish police are still investigating an incident on January 26, when a mannequin wearing a jersey of the 22-year-old hung on a bridge near Real’s training ground. Since the derby against Atletico took place a little later, Ultras from the local rivals are suspected to be behind the action.
As early as September 2022, Atletico fans made negative headlines at the derby in the league. Footage shows supporters insulting Real’s winger with racist chants. However, in December the public prosecutor’s office dropped the investigation because it was not possible to identify the culprits. Following further insults by Real Valladolid fans in December, Vinicius accused the league of “doing nothing” to combat racism in Spanish stadiums.
Player advisor caused a scandal
Also in September, a statement by Pedro Bravo, chairman of the Spanish Football Agents Association, caused an outcry. Bravo had demanded in a TV show that Vinicius should stop behaving “like a monkey”. Brazil’s superstar Neymar and the now deceased legend Pelé jumped to the side of the Real Madrid professional and demanded that racism be decisively combated. Pedro Bravo later apologized for his statement