Soccer player Vin?cius Jr. has faced racist abuse multiple times since donning the cleats for Real Madrid five years ago. On Sunday, he was once more at the receiving end of such abuse during a match against Valencia. In what has now become a familiar occurrence, young audience members were heard hurling racist abuses at the Brazilian winger.
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Following the events of Sunday, Vini posted a video to Instagram with a video compilation of the many times he has had to face disturbing racist backlash from fans. Ex-NFL star Tom Brady took to the video to show his support for the 22-year-old soccer player.
Tom Brady stands with Vin?cius Jr against racism
Vin?cius Jr’s red card against Valencia has been overturned by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following racist abuse from some fans at the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday. In response to the incident, the RFEF has also imposed a five-game partial stadium ban and a ?45,000 fine on Valencia. With the red card rescinded, Vin?cius Jr will be able to participate in Real Madrid’s upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.
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Recently, a video posted by Vin?cius Jr on Instagram revealed evidence of racist comments directed at him on a significant scale. One notable figure who viewed the video was retired NFL star, Tom Brady. Taking a stand for Vin?cius Jr, Brady shared a red heart emoji and wrote, “Vini ??“
Real Madrid’s Brazilian compatriot, Raphinha, who plays for their fierce rivals Barcelona, also demonstrated solidarity with Vin?cius during Tuesday night’s game against Real Valladolid. After being substituted, Raphinha revealed a message on his undershirt in Portuguese that read, “Until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes, there will be war.”
Christ, the Redeemer Statue goes dark in solidarity with Vin?cius
On Monday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva passionately expressed his support for Vin?cius and strongly denounced the endorsement of racial prejudice within European football stadiums, stating, “It’s not possible that almost in the middle of the 21st century, we have racial prejudice gaining strength in several football stadiums in Europe.” President called upon FIFA, the Spanish league, and other prominent leagues around the world to take immediate and decisive measures against this growing issue.
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In a show of unity and support for Vin?cius, the lights at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue were switched off on Monday. The decision to rescind the red card was fair and necessary to condemn racism and protect the players’ rights. It is unacceptable that Vin?cius Jr or any other player has to suffer such abuse in a sport that should promote respect and diversity. By making this decision, a clear message will be conveyed to both the fans and the clubs, emphasizing that racism has no place in football.
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