Real Madrid launch criminal proceedings after Vinicius Jr suffers racist abuse

The Brazilian winger has claimed that LaLiga 'belongs to racists' after supporters abused him in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla.

Advertisement

As a result of the shocking abuse, the clash had to be stopped for ten minutes, with Vinicius Jr then being sent off in stoppage time for violent conduct after hitting Hugo Duro in the face.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas incredibly then hit back at Vinicius Jr in a bizarre statement, which talkSPORT host Laura Woods branded as 'pathetic'.

Advertisement

And Real have now broken their silence over the situation, as they said: "Real Madrid strongly condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinícius Junior.

"These events represent a direct attack on the social and democratic model of coexistence of our State based on the rule of law.

"Real Madrid believes that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, and has therefore filed the corresponding report with the Attorney General's Office, specifically with the Prosecutor's Office against crimes of hatred and discrimination, in order for the facts to be investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable.

"Article 124 of the Spanish Constitution stipulates that the role of the Public Prosecutor's Office is to promote the pursuit of justice in defense of legality and the rights of citizens and the public interest.

Advertisement

Advertisement

"Given the seriousness of the events that took place, Real Madrid has appealed to the Attorney General's Office, without prejudice to its standing as a private prosecutor in any proceedings that may be initiated."

Barcelona boss Xavi has also condemned the abuse aimed at Vinicius Jr in his press conference ahead of Tuesday's match against Real Valladolid.

He remarked: "In general, unfortunately, there have been cases of racism and it is a shame that it will pass in 2023.

Advertisement

"Any act of racism must be condemned. Here there are no shields, they are people, and acts of racism such as that of Vinicius at the Mestalla must be condemned.

"Valencia is trying to identify these people and condemn these acts. It seems that we do not advance and be strong."

Meanwhile, Luis Rubiales - president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation - has criticised Tebas for hitting out at Vinicius Jr on Twitter.

Advertisement

He stated: "I ask Vinicius to ignore his irresponsible behaviour. Managers are not here to get involved in social networks."

Vinicius Jr has been subject to abuse in multiple matches this season, with LaLiga TV presenter Phil Kitromilides telling talkSPORT that the player could reluctantly leave Spain if the issue with racism isn't fixed.

Speaking on the White and Jordan show, he said: "I think we're getting closer to a point where he will be reviewing his future here, he doesn't want to leave Real Madrid, he doesn't.

"But he doesn't want to suffer this constantly, and he's not going to back down, he's not going to stop the way he plays, he's not going to change his personality, he's not going to change his character and nor should he have to.

Advertisement

"He's not backing down, this seems to be continuing, the more belligerent he might be on the pitch, the more people are going to abuse him.

"It's a vicious circle and I don't know how we get out of it, and it's pretty sad."