Vinicius Junior, the young Brazilian striker for Real Madrid (23 years old), has become a recurring target of racist supporters in Spanish stadiums and, in response, a symbolic and committed figure in the fight against racism. On the evening of Saturday October 21, he suffered what he called “isolated episode number 19”during his team’s championship match against Sevilla FC, in the Andalusian Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.
A supporter of the local club was seen mimicking a monkey towards Vinicius, photos published by the Spanish press show. Identified, the man was expelled for “racist and xenophobic behavior”, announced Sevilla FC in a press release. A decision of unprecedented speed that Vinicius welcomed during the night, on social networks, by posting a long message accompanied by a diptych of photos, one of his face in close-up, the other of the offending supporter.
“Congratulations to Sevilla for their quick decision and sanction in another sad episode for Spanish football”, writes the Brazilian. The attacker also indicates that he “had access to a video of another racist act during this Saturday’s match, this time committed by a child”. “I’m so sorry there’s no one to educate you.”he says.
The Sevillian club specifies that it immediately reported this individual to the authorities and “condemns all racist and xenophobic behavior, even if it is isolated, as in this case”and says he is ready to collaborate with justice “to eradicate these attitudes, which do not represent the supporters of a club like Sevilla”.
On the front lines in the fight against racism
By emphasizing that “the face of today’s racist is displayed on the Internet, as on many other occasions”Vinicius calls for change ” once for all “ of Spanish legislation to criminally punish this behavior and says ” available for [les] help “. “It would be a great first step in preparing for the 2030 World Cup”awarded jointly to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, on October 4, adds the player.
The Brazilian striker was heard by the courts on October 5 as part of an investigation into racist insults he received in Valencia on May 21 at the end of last season. On the front line in the fight against racism in stadiums, and often supported by certain stars of the discipline like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius recalls, in the message posted on the night of Saturday to Sunday, his commitment to the cause. “I invest, and I invest a lot, in education in Brazil to train citizens with attitudes different from these. »
In France, several racist acts have been reported in recent months, in stadiums and in clubs, across all divisions. On October 25, former international Bernard Casoni, who had become coach of Orléans (National, third division), was summoned for an interview prior to dismissal. He is the subject of a preliminary investigation for provoking hatred or racial discrimination and for public insults of a racist nature. Speaking about his players, Casoni said at a press conference that“They are no more stupid than North Africans, eh…”. Suspended by his club, he is also accused of having wanted “whiten” the team he led.
Saturday, in an interview with WorldLilian Thuram, world champion with the Blues in 1998, and now at the head of the foundation Education against racismbelieves that Bernard Casoni “does not question himself at any time”. “He could apologize, but no, on the contrary, he filed a complaint [contre X pour dénonciation calomnieuse]said the former defender. He considers that it is the victims who have a problem. »