FILE PHOTO: Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr (L), confronts Valencia fans after they racially abuse him. PICTURE: AP
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0 BARCELONA: Since joining Real Madrid, a Spanish outfit, in 2018, the forward has been a victim of racism.
FIFA has roped in Brazil and Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior to lead its anti-racism committee. Racism is rife in football, with fans taunting and abusing black players through phrases, making monkey sounds or throwing bananas at them.
The committee, which comprises players, will suggest appropriate punishments for racist behaviour, revealed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who had made a trip to talk to the player personally about racism and what the world football body wants to do to curb racism in football.
“I asked Vinicius to lead this group of players that will present stricter punishments against racism that will later be implemented by all football authorities around the world,” he said, as quoted by Reuters.
Since joining Real Madrid, a Spanish outfit, in 2018, the forward has been a victim of racism. Most recently, he had been on the receiving end of racial abuse during a La Liga match between Real Madrid and Valencia at the Mestalla stadium. The match had to be temporarily stopped to warn fans to cease their racist acts.
After the match, the player unleashed a scathing attack on both La Liga and Spain, labelling them as racist. Racism, he said, is a norm in the country.
Although Valencia has slapped three identified fans with lifetime bans, Revelo.com, a Spanish sports publication, reports that the incident has caused the club not only a good reputation but also money. Citing bad press, Cazoo has terminated its two-year agreement with the club over the incident, reports the publication. Incidentally, Cazoo was the club’s main shirt sponsor.
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