Vinicius Junior said he and his Real Madrid teammates will walk off the pitch if he faces another racist abuse incident this season.
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Real Madrid ready to walk off the pitch
The Brazilian international has faced multiple incidents of racial abuse, including one at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium in May 2023.
Earlier this year, three fans were jailed for their involvement in the incident, marking Spain’s first conviction of this nature.
Vinicius said he and his Real Madrid teammates would leave the field if faced with another situation like the one in Valencia.
“In the club, we talk about it more often,” Vinicius said in an interview with CNN. “Not just me, but all [the] players said that if that happens, the next time everyone has to leave the field, so that all of those people who insulted us have to pay a much bigger penalty.”
“In the case of what happened in Valencia, after the game — after we thought about it — everyone said that the right thing to do is to leave the field. But because you are there defending a team, we know that not everyone in the stadium is racist and were just there to watch the game.”
“It’s always very difficult to end a game. But with everything that’s been happening, that each time is getting worse, we do need to leave the field so things can change as soon as possible.”
The fight continues
LaLiga has called on the Spanish government to create a law where perpetrators get punished for their discriminatory behavior.
Nonetheless, Vinicius is glad to see some changes in fighting racism in Spanish football.
“Today I already see and feel the difference in Spain,” Vinicius said. “Today — maybe [some fans] are still racists. But nowadays they are afraid to express themselves in the football field, and in places where there are a lot of cameras.
“And with that we will reduce racism, little by little. Of course, we won’t be able to end it, but I’m already happy that I’m being able to change Spain’s mindset.”
