Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has urged UEFA to take swift action against Atletico Madrid fans following racist chants directed at him ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan. Despite not being present at the match, Vinicius lamented the recurrence of such incidents, labeling it a “sad reality.”
LaLiga has promptly condemned the “deplorable racist chants” and announced plans to report the matter to Spain’s legal authorities, emphasizing its commitment to eradicating hate from football. While UEFA reviews the incident, the league is taking proactive steps to address the issue.
Videos circulating on social media captured the offensive chants, with Atletico fans allegedly referring to Vinicius as a “chimpanzee.” This isn’t the first instance of racial abuse towards the Brazilian, with previous incidents occurring at other LaLiga clubs.
Vinicius’s call for UEFA’s intervention echoes wider concerns about racism in football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is advocating for stricter global measures to combat racism, proposing potential match forfeitures for teams whose fans engage in such behavior.
As the football community rallies against racism, Vinicius’s plea highlights the urgency for decisive action to ensure the sport remains inclusive and free from discrimination.
