Around 100 Brazilian demonstrators gathered outside the Spanish consulate in Sao Paulo on Tuesday (May 23) to denounce the racist abuse faced by Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in Spain’s premier soccer league, La Liga.
The protestors passionately chanted slogans such as “La Liga is racist” and “End racism in Spain and Brazil” for approximately an hour. They came equipped with flares, banners, and stickers displaying messages of solidarity like “Vini Jr, I am with you.” In a striking visual display, they projected the words “It is not soccer, it is racism” onto the walls of the consulate.
Vinícius Júnior, a Black athlete, has been subjected to ongoing racist taunts since his arrival in Spain five years ago. Throughout the current Spanish league season, he has faced racist abuse from fans of at least five rival teams.
Claudia Rodrigues, a former soccer player and one of the protest organisers, emphasised that the intention was not to gather thousands of people outside the consulate, located in one of Sao Paulo’s affluent areas, but rather to swiftly take action and convey to the Spanish government that decisive measures are necessary.
“Vini behaved as a warrior, a Brazilian man who honours our ancestors,” stated Rodrigues. “Vini is confronting racism in Europe. Regardless of financiers or sponsors, it holds immense significance for our society and particularly for young Black individuals, who view them as heroes.”
Spanish authorities have made progress in addressing the issue, with seven individuals being arrested for racially insulting the Real Madrid player. Among them, three were apprehended in Valencia for alleged abuse against Vinícius during a Spanish league match on Sunday. Additionally, four arrests were made in Madrid for allegedly hanging an effigy of the player from a highway bridge in January.
Representatives from various Brazilian Black movements read out a statement expressing solidarity with the 22-year-old football star. Supportive drivers honked their car horns and joined in chants against the Spanish league.
The statement highlighted that Vinicius faced aggression “from the Spanish far-right that oppresses Blacks” and emphasised that “Vini Jr. makes us proud.” It further declared their unwavering support, stating, “We will stand beside him, fists clenched and heads held high.”
Taking action, Spanish soccer officials imposed a €45,000 ($48,500) fine on Valencia and partially closed the team’s stadium for the next five games.
The protest in Sao Paulo not only served as a powerful display of solidarity but also as a resounding call for an end to racism in football and society at large.