Valencia Football Club has successfully appealed the punishment imposed on them for the racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior by their fans. The Spanish Football Federation appeals committee “partially upheld” Valencia’s appeal, resulting in a reduction of the stadium closure from five matches to three, and a decrease in the fine from €45,000 to €27,000.
During Real Madrid’s LaLiga match against Valencia, Vinicius Junior was allegedly subjected to racist chants from the crowd. The incident prompted Vinicius to consider leaving the pitch, and Real Madrid, deeming the abuse a “hate crime,” filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.
Valencia had the opportunity to appeal the initial punishment within 10 working days. The response from players and officials across LaLiga demonstrated a unified stance against racism, with individuals from Real Valladolid, Barcelona, Celta Vigo, and Girona standing behind banners reading “Racism, out of football” before their respective matches.
While Vinicius was initially set to serve a two or three-match ban for his sending off during the Valencia game, Spain’s competition committee, composed of members from LaLiga, the Spanish Sports Council (CSD), and the Spanish FA (RFEF), has rescinded the red card.
Expressing frustration over the lack of effective sanctions, LaLiga has announced its intention to request greater jurisdiction in punishing clubs whose fans engage in racist abuse. Currently, LaLiga’s authority is limited to identifying and reporting incidents, with punishments rarely imposed.
In a separate incident, four individuals were arrested in Spain on suspicion of hanging an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge in January. The inflatable doll dressed in a Vinicius shirt was accompanied by a banner stating ‘Madrid hates Real Madrid’ ahead of a Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has been vocal about combating racism in Spanish football. Tebas stated that with adequate sanctioning powers, LaLiga could eradicate racism within six months. Vinicius Junior, in response to the abuse he endured, criticized Spain and LaLiga, highlighting recurring incidents across multiple cities and suggesting that LaLiga “belongs to the racists.”
Tebas initially responded to Vinicius on social media in a contentious manner but later apologized for his remarks. At a press conference, Tebas expressed his frustration with the current limitations, stating that LaLiga’s ability to address incidents is restricted to identification and reporting, with limited punishment handed out.
Tebas emphasized the need for additional powers to combat “intolerable behaviors” such as racism and homophobia. He believes that with the desired competencies, these issues could be resolved within six months. Tebas cited LaLiga’s successful implementation of financial control measures as evidence of their ability to address and solve problems effectively.
