This past weekend, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior was racially abused whilst playing against Sevilla in a Spanish tournament.

Spanish crowds vigorously chanted “monkey” at Vinicius, which caused the game to be paused. It is widely known that Spain has a long history with issues of racism on the football pitch.

Gary White, a Newcastle fan said: “It’s definitely time to see change in football. Seeing the amount of racism at football matches is horrible, hopefully this can create a movement and impact the industry.”

The Royal Spanish football federation called for zero tolerance of hate crimes. After the events of the match, Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation and have currently made four arrests and expect to make many more.

Vinicius penned a heartfelt statement after the La Liga match stating Spanish football “belongs to racists” with Real Madrid following suit in support of their player.

Footballers are often victim to racial abuse, there have been instances in the past in which bananas have been thrown at players and fans have hurled racist chants whilst they play.

Later this year, there is expected to be the first trial of a fan accused of racial abuse in Spanish professional football. Inaki Williams an Athletic Bilbao player, was racially abused at a football match in 2020 by a Spanish fan.

This is a huge leap in the right direction when it comes to tackling racism within football. As many organisations come together to take a stance against racists. Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva “expressed his solidarity” within the Brazilian born player.

Mark Timstone, a Leeds fan said: “Football federations need to make a change. It’s hard to watch. The next generation is watching this thinking it’s ok. When it’s absolutely not ok.”

There is a growing feeling in English football that there is no room for racism. As football federations and police crack down on others who think it is acceptable. More clubs are handing out life-time bans to fans who take part in hate crimes at football events.

Premier League clubs are now on alert as Vinicius Jr indicates he may be ready to leave Spain over the racial abuse.

Photo credit – Pablo Morano