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The Real Madrid squad, protesting against racism, showed their support for fellow teammate Vinicius Jr., who was recently subjected to racist insults.

Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, commonly known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian football player who plays for Real Madrid in the La Liga Spanish football league. 

The incident happened during a match between Real Madrid and Valencia on Sunday, May 21st.

24 minutes after the second half started, a soccer ball came into the field from the stands. 

Eray Ervin Cömert, a Valencia defender, in an attempt to kick the ball out of the field, halted Vinícius’s offense by hitting the ball that Vini Jr. was dribbling with the unofficial ball. 

Whether his kick was accidental or intentional, the event hampered the attack momentum of Real Madrid.

As a result, the referee gave a yellow card to Cömert and a free kick to Real Madrid. 

At the same time in the field near the stands, Vinícius was confronting racist remarks and monkey chants coming from the spectators.

An official report from the game’s referee mentions that “a spectator from the southern ‘Mario Kempes’ tribune directed himself towards player No. 20 of Real Madrid CF Mr. Vinicius José De Oliveira Do Nascimiento, screaming at him: ‘Monkey, monkey’ which led to the activation of the racism protocol, notifying the pitch delegate so that a corresponding warning over the loudspeaker would be made.”

In the end, the game was resumed, but the tension remained between Valencia’s fans and Real Madrid players as well as between two teams. 

Subsequently, during the stoppage time, a tussle between two teams ensued, and Vinícius was given a red card. 

After the game, Vini Jr. posted a photo of him with Real Madrid uniform on Instagram (@vinijr) with the following caption: “It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it's normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it. I am so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Messi today belongs to the racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which accepted to export the image of a racist country to the world. Sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately with everything that happens on a weekly basis, I have no way to defend. I agree. But I'm strong and will go to the end against the racists. Even though it's far from here.”

The team also showed immediate response to the situation.

Carlo Ancelotti, Manager of Real Madrid, commented on Vinícius’ condition after the incident, stating that “His morale is just fine. All the support he has received in the last few days has been good for him. I don't think there will be any more cases of racism because we've all become aware of it and things are going to improve very quickly.”  

As a response to this issue, the team showed their support for Vini Jr. by wearing shirts with Vini Jr.’s name and back number 20 on their game held on May 24, 2023.

Moreover, a large banner saying “Vinícius somos todos, basta ya,” which means ‘We are all Vinícius, enough is enough’ in English, was hung on the stadium.

Both teams’ players took a photo with another placard saying “Racistas, fuera del fútbol,” which means ‘Racists, out of football’ in English.

In addition, three spectators who affronted Vini Jr. with racist chants were arrested.

The event raised attention and awareness to the racism present not only in Spain but also in other countries around the world.