Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has issued a stark warning to La Liga fans, threatening to walk off the pitch if he faces further racist abuse.
The 24-year-old forward has been targeted by opposition supporters on multiple occasions, with incidents occurring at various stadiums throughout Spain.
In an interview with CNN, Vinícius expressed his frustration and determination to take a stand against racism in football. He revealed that he and his Real Madrid teammates have discussed the possibility of leaving the field if they are subjected to racist abuse again. “In the club, we talk about it more often,” Vinícius said. “Not just me, but all [the] players said that if that happens, the next time everyone has to leave the field.”
The Brazilian winger referenced the incident at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium in May 2023, where he was racially abused by fans. While three fans were subsequently jailed, Vinícius emphasized the need for more decisive action to combat racism in Spanish football. “We do need to leave the field so things can change as soon as possible,” he stated.
LaLiga has been working to address the issue of racist abuse, gathering evidence and passing it on to local prosecutors. However, the league has faced challenges in securing convictions, leading to calls for changes in the law. LaLiga has praised the Valencia ruling as a significant step in sending a clear message to perpetrators.
Vinícius Júnior believes that progress has been made in recent times, with fans becoming more hesitant to express racist views in public. “Today I already see and feel the difference in Spain,” he said. “Today — maybe [some fans] are still racists — but nowadays they are afraid to express themselves in the football field.”
Real Madrid is set to face Las Palmas on August 29th in a crucial league match. Amid preparations, Vinícius Júnior’s strong stance against racism highlights the ongoing fight for a more inclusive and equitable environment in football.
