Valencia CF will display “against discrimination” flag ahead of Vinicius visit

In an apparent attempt to do some damage control, Valencia CF has released a video to social media showing an anti-discrimination flag that they will raise in the Mestalla stadium.

That stadium is where, back in May, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was the victim of racial abuse by fans. Valencia’s response was basically to say that #notallfans are racist and asked Vinicius to take back the statements that he made in court when he testified about the incident.

This video comes as Real Madrid and Vinicius will return to the Mestalla this Saturday, and after a controversial decision by Valencia CF to prohibit Netflix from filming at the stadium during the game. Netflix is collaborating with Brazilian production company Conspiriçao to create a documentary series showcasing the life of the highest profile players in soccer, including Vinicius. Although racism will be a topic discussed in the docu-series, it is not the main theme.

Valencia’s decision to deny Netflix access as well as deny any interviews with the club or Hugo Duro, who was involved in an on-field clash with Vini Jr. has been met with some criticism, with some saying they have something to hide. The club said they “cannot participate in something whose objective is neither known nor controllable and that may seek to damage the image of our fans.”

“Mestalla is home to all”

Now, Valencia has decided to raise a flag at the stadium which reads in English, “against discrimination” along with the release of this video, explaining that the Mestalla is “home to all”.

The video explains that raising flags in the Mestalla stadium is a tradition that’s been ongoing for more than two decades and that “it’s a way of telling the rest of the visiting teams that they are welcome to our home”. The timing of the video was calculated. The club released the video today, March 1, which is known as Zero Discrimination Day, a day to promote equality in the United Nations. It also happens to be the day before the match between Real Madrid and Valencia. Spectators will be watching closely tomorrow to see what happens when Vinicius Junior makes his return to the Mestalla for the first time since that day in May.