Three people arrested in Valencia over alleged racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior

Three people have been arrested in Valencia in relation to the alleged racist insults hurled at Vinícius Júnior at Mestalla on Sunday. Two days after the Valencia Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into the alleged hate crime for the insults against the Real Madrid player, Spanish police have announced the arrest of three young men in connection to the incident.

In addition to the investigation by the Valencian justice system, Real Madrid have reported the incidents to the State Prosecutor’s Office. The club issued a statement condemning “the events that have taken place”.

Valencia issue statement

Valencia have issued a statement reinforcing the club’s stance in the fight to eradicate racism in football stadiums.

The statement read: “Valencia CF confirms that the police have identified in the last few hours a total of three fans who made racist gestures towards Vinícius Jr at last weekend’s match against Real Madrid.

“Valencia CF is cooperating with the authorities in their investigation to eliminate racism at the Camp de Mestalla.

“The club reiterates its strongest condemnation and its firm stance against racism and violence in all its forms and will act with the same forcefulness with all those identified by applying its most severe measure: expelling them for life from the stadium.

“Valencia CF does not tolerate any kind of racist attack. Racism has no place in our club.”