Spanish police announced today, Tuesday, that they have arrested seven people in Valencia connected to racist chants against Brazilian Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid's forward, during a local league match at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium last Sunday.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti predicted today that Brazilian Vinicius would remain with the Spanish club despite experiencing racist chants during various league matches. Ancelotti stated in a press conference: "I don’t think he will leave Spain, because he loves football, and he loves Real Madrid. His love for the club is very strong, and he wants to spend his career here."
On another note, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was lit off for one hour last evening, Monday, to show solidarity with Junior. The parish that manages the statue collaborated with the Brazilian Football Federation and the Observatory of Racial Discrimination in Football for this act of solidarity.
The parish stated: "The Christ Parish condemns the racist attacks that Brazilian player Vinicius Junior has faced," noting that "the lights of the statue will be turned off as a symbol of collective struggle against racism and in solidarity with the player and all those who suffer from discrimination around the world."
The Brazilian government has urged Spanish authorities and sports organizations to punish those responsible for the "racist attacks" against the player, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his solidarity and support for the Real Madrid forward.
Other sports figures, such as Kylian Mbappe, Rio Ferdinand, and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, also voiced their support for Vinicius.
Vinicius expressed his gratitude for this support, saying: "Black and great. This act of solidarity moved my feelings. But I want, first and foremost, to shed more light on our suffering."
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, acknowledged that there is a real issue with racism in football in the country, stating, "Press releases are no longer effective."
