Vinícius subjected to racist abuse in Real Madrid’s win over Atlético

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior received racist abuse before his side’s derby against Atlético Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday.

In the pre-match build-up, the young Brazilian had to contend with a racist remark made by the president of the Spanish Association of Footballers’ Agents, Pedro Bravo, on the Spanish TV show ‘El Chiringuito’.

“If you want to dance the samba, you go to the sambadrome in Brazil, here what you have to do is respect your fellow professionals and stop monkeying around,” Bravo said.

Bravo later apologised, explaining that he used the expression “monkeying around” as a synonym for “fooling around”.

Before Sunday’s Madrid derby, hundreds of Atlético fans outside ground were filmed chanting, “Eres un mono, Vinícius eres un mono (You are a monkey, Vinicius you are a monkey).”

More racist chants were aimed at the Madrid forward inside the ground and were clear when Real Madrid took the lead through Rodrygo in the first half.

There was a slight pause in the game after Madrid scored as the stadium announcer asked for respect.

Brazil players support Vinicius

Neymar, Pelé and Bruno Guimaraes have since come out to defend Vinícius in the wake of the controversy surrounding his dance celebrations.

Real Madrid released a statement on Friday that read: “Real Madrid C. F. condemns all types of racist and xenophobic language and behaviour in football, sport and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made against our player Vinícius Júnior in the last few hours.

“Real Madrid would like to express its affection and support for Vinícius Júnior, a player who regards football as an attitude towards life through joy, respect and sportsmanship.

“Football is the most global sport there is and should be a model of values and coexistence.

“The club has directed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who makes racist remarks towards our players.”