Vinicius abuse: Spain, Brazil to play anti-racism friendly in Madrid

TV360 NigeriaJune 13, 2023

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The football federations of Spain and Brazil have presented their plan on Tuesday for a friendly match at the Santiago Bernabeu in March 2024 to combat racism, after global outrage at the abuse of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales and his Brazilian counterpart Ednaldo Rodrigues revealed their plans for the game at Madrid’s stadium, alongside Spain internationals Ansu Fati and Rodrigo Moreno.

“It’s the ideal stage for an encounter between two of the best teams in the world.”

Rubiales also said the match taking place in March depended on Spain qualifying directly for Euro 2024, as those dates would be potentially needed for play-offs if not.

“(The game is) a way of saying ‘enough’,” said Rodrigues.

“It protects joy in our football, (and shows) this intolerance and attitude are unacceptable.”

The 22-year-old Brazil winger, suffered racial abuse by Valencia supporters in May, provoking worldwide outrage after he squared off with fans in one stand.

Supporters found guilty of abusing Vinicius were issued stadium bans and fines by Spanish authorities last week.

Earlier in June legislators in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro approved a law on Tuesday to curtail football matches affected by racist abuse, after a wave of disgust over the treatment of Vinicius, a native of the state.