REAL MADRID forward Vinicius Jr has praised Sevilla for removing a fan that allegedly displayed “xenophobic and racist behaviour” on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was among a group of Real Madrid players that endured abuse from rival fans during the La Liga match.
GettyVinicius Jr was targetted by Sevilla fans during a La Liga match on Saturday[/caption]
Instagram @vinijrThe Real Madrid star shared an image of a supporter racially abusing him[/caption]
Security at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium took action by removing a fan.
An official statement from Sevilla, which was issued after the match, read: “Sevilla FC condemns all racist and xenophobic behaviour and will work closely with the authorities to ensure that action is taken accordingly. This behaviour does not belong at Sevilla FC.
“The individual will also be subject to the club’s vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked.”
Despite the club’s efforts to prevent fans abusing the Real Madrid players, a video – which emerged on social media hours after the match – appeared to show a child making discriminatory gestures towards Vinicius.
The Brazilian winger took to social media to praise Sevilla for attempting to take action, but he also condemned the racism that could be seen in the social media video.
He took to X to write: “Congratulations to Sevilla for their quick positioning and punishment in yet another sad episode for Spanish football.
“Unfortunately, I had access to a video of another racist act in this Saturday’s match, this time carried out by a child.
“I am very sorry that there is no one to educate you. I invest, and I invest a lot, in education in Brazil to form citizens with attitudes different from these.
“The face of today’s racist is plastered on websites as on many other occasions.
“I hope the Spanish authorities do their part and change the legislation once and for all. These people must be criminally punished too.
“It would be a great first step in preparing for the 2030 World Cup. I’m available to help.
“Sorry to seem repetitive, but this is isolated episode number 19. And counting…”
Vinicius has endured horrific racial abuse from rival fans on several occasions in recent years.
In January, an effigy of the Real Madrid winger was hung from a bridge near the club’s training ground before a Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid.
And on a separate occasion La Liga said that “intolerable racist behaviour was once again observed against Vinicius” in a game against Barcelona.
Despite the abuse he has endured, Vinicius has bravely continued to fight for change.