Protesters chanted “La Liga is racist” and “Stop racism in Spain and Brazil” for around an hour, carrying torches, banners and posters saying “Vienni Junior, I support you”. They wrote ‘It’s not football, it’s racism’ on the walls of the consulate.
Vinicius has suffered repeated racist abuse since arriving in Spain 5 years ago.
Since the start of the current season in the Spanish League in September, he has been the victim of racist insults from fans of at least 5 competing teams.
Former soccer player Claudia Rodriguez, 51, one of the organizers of the protest, said the idea was not to bring thousands of people to the consulate, located in one of the most rich people of Sao Paulo, but to act quickly and to underline the need for action by the Spanish government.
Rodriguez added: “Vini acted like a warrior, like a Brazilian in a way that honors our ancestors. Vinnie faces racism in Europe. Regardless of funders and sponsors, this is very important for our society and for black youth, who see him as a hero.”
Spanish police have arrested 7 people accused of racial slurs against the Real Madrid player.
3 were arrested in Valencia for insulting Vinicius during a La Liga game last Sunday, and 4 were arrested in Madrid for allegedly hanging a player’s dummy from a motorway bridge in January.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation has imposed a $48,500 fine on Valencia, with part of the team’s stadium closed for the next five matches.
Read the Latest World News Today on The Eastern Herald.
