Brazilian government urges Spanish authorities to act following racist attacks on Vini Jr

Brazil's federal government will contact Spanish sports authorities and exhort sponsors and the government to take measures to curb the wave of racism Brazilian soccer star Vini Jr., who plays for Spain's Real Madrid, is suffering. On Sunday (21), the striker was once again the victim of racist chants during a Real Madrid and Valencia match.

It is important that FIFA, the Spanish League, and other countries' leagues all take measures to stop racism and fascism from taking over stadiums
LUIZ INÁCIO LULA DA SILVA
President of Brazil

When opening a press conference yesterday in Japan following the G7 summit, President Lula offered his support to the star striker representing Brazil's national team.

"It is unacceptable to see racial discrimination gaining strength in football stadiums in the 21st century. It is not fair that a poor boy who is winning in his life, becoming one of the best in the world, is insulted in every stadium he goes to", said Lula. "It is important that FIFA, the Spanish League, and other countries' leagues all take serious measures to fight this back – because we cannot allow fascism or racism to take over stadiums".

BILATERAL COMMITMENT – Brazil's Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, stated that the country would officially notify Spanish authorities and La Liga, responsible for the Spanish professional soccer tournament. "We repudiate yet another racist attack against Vini Jr. We will notify Spanish authorities and La Liga. The Brazilian government will not tolerate racism either in or outside Brazil! We will work hard to ensure that every black Brazilian athlete may play without ever experiencing violence," said the minister on her Twitter profile.

Anielle recalled that she was in Spain at the beginning of the month and signed, alongside her Spanish counterpart, minister Irene Monteiro, a bilateral commitment to combat racism, xenophobia, and all other forms of discrimination. One of the highlights of the agreement is that nations are to "devote special attention to combating racism in sport." Anielle held a press conference today to present actions concerning this agenda.

We will notify Spanish authorities and La Liga. The Brazilian government will not tolerate racism either in or outside Brazil! We will work hard to ensure that every black Brazilian athlete may play without ever experiencing violence
ANIELLE FRANCO
Minister of Racial Equality

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY – Brazil's Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, Silvio Almeida, demanded a more assertive stance from sports organizations, governments, the press, and sponsors facing La Liga president Javier Tebas' choice to ignore the racist attack suffered by Vini Jr. over the weekend. Tebas, on the other hand, later accused Vini Jr. of criticizing and insulting the organization.

"Instead of supporting Vini Júnior, the president of La Liga decided to attack the athlete on social media. Beyond the president's immoderation, it's time to question what La Liga sponsor companies' stance is in this case," said the minister.

According to Silvio Almeida, racism has become part of the game, and tickets are being sold to promote hate without any moral or political restraints. "La Liga, European football organizations, FIFA, clubs, sponsoring companies, part of the press, and governments are all colluding and using racism. They must be held accountable alongside direct aggressors," he said on Twitter.

Brazil's Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flávio Dino, adopted the same tone and demanded action from the production chain that drives Spanish football. "All my solidarity to the striker. This is deplorable, unacceptable and must be punished. I hope these companies do something serious and effective about the unacceptable and repeated racist attacks against Vinicius Júnior."

VINI'S WORDS – After the match against Valencia, Vini Jr. expressed his sadness on social media and received support from hundreds of athletes, coaches, managers, and fans. "It wasn't the first time, the second, or the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it's normal, and so does the Federation – and opponents even encourage it. I'm very sorry this is so. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Messi now belongs to racists. It's a beautiful nation that welcomed me and which I love but which has also consented to export its image to the world as a racist country. I apologize to the Spaniards who feel differently, but nowadays, Brazil sees Spain as a country of racists. And unfortunately, after everything that happens every week, I can't say otherwise. I agree. But I'm strong, and I will fight the racists to the very end. Even if far away from here."

OTHER REPERCUSSIONS

MINISTRY OF SPORT – Brazil's Ministry of Sport released a note that strongly repudiates the racist attacks suffered by the Brazilian athlete. "Taking into account the seriousness of the facts and the occurrence of yet another unacceptable episode in a game yesterday in that country, the Brazilian Government deeply regrets that, so far, effective measures have not yet been taken to prevent and avoid the repetition of these racist acts. We encourage the Spanish government and sports authorities to take all necessary measures to punish the perpetrators and prevent these acts from recurring. We also call on FIFA and the League to apply the appropriate measures."

REAL MADRID – Real Madrid released an official statement today regarding Sunday's episode. The club strongly condemned the attack on Vini Jr. and said they represented a direct attack on the democratic and social model of coexistence under the rule of law. "Real Madrid considers that such attacks are also hate crimes, which is why it has filed the corresponding complaint at the State Attorney General's Office against hate crimes and discrimination so that the facts are investigated, and responsibility is established."

VALENCIA – The Spanish team issued a statement today promising to identify and forever ban all fans who committed racist attacks against Vini Jr. at the Mestalla stadium. According to the club, images are being analyzed, and the perpetrators will be identified. In addition, the team said it was collaborating with the police to punish the criminals.

THE SPANISH EMBASSY IN BRAZIL – The Spanish Embassy condemned the incident on Twitter. "The Embassy vehemently condemns the racist manifestations and attitudes and offers its total support to player @vinijr following the intolerable and coward attacks he suffered today, which in no way reflect the anti-racist positions of the absolute majority of the Spanish population."

GIANNI INFANTINO, FIFA President – "We offer all our solidarity to Vinícius. There is no place for racism in football or society, and FIFA supports all players who have suffered it in their own flesh."

EDNALDO RODRIGUES, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) – "How long are we going to experience, in the middle of the 21st century, episodes such as the one we have just witnessed, once again, in La Liga? For how long will humanity be a simple spectator and accomplice in cruel acts of racism? How long will we need to remember that it is a crime? How long will we have to fight for concrete and effective attitudes on and off the fields? There is no joy where there is racism. You have all our affection and that of all the Brazilian people, @vinijr. Not only you but everyone who has suffered and is suffering from the global disease of racism. Skin color can no longer be cause for discomfort."