How Barcelona Star Put Aside Rivalry to Support Vinicius After Racism Row

How Barcelona Star Put Aside Rivalry to Support Vinicius After Racism Row

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at May 25, 2023 at 10:05 AM
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  • Barcelona star Raphinha has shown support for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior
  • The Brazilian was racially abused in a match against Valencia at the weekend
  • A series of actions have taken place since the incident at the Mestalla Stadium

Barcelona winger, Raphinha has shown solidarity with Vinicius Junior, who was racially abused during Real Madrid's La Liga game with Valencia last Sunday.

Raphinha stood alongside his Brazilian compatriot in the fight against racism and fascism, which continues to plague the Spanish top flight.

Demonstrating his support, he proudly displayed a shirt carrying a touching message during Barca's defeat to Real Valladolid on Tuesday, May 23.

Raphinha, Vinicius, Barcelona, Real Madrid, racism
Raphinha has shown solidarity with Brazilian compatriot Vinicius. Photo credit: @brfootball
Source: Twitter

The 26-year-old, who was substituted after 63 minutes, conveyed his message:

“As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the glow of the eyes, there will be war,” Raphinha said, as quoted by MadridZone.

In a similar gesture, players of Real Madrid walked out in No. 20 shirts - Vini's shirt number - before their game against Rayo Vallecano on Thursday to show support for the zippy winger, per Eurosport.

Following the racial incident at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium over the weekend, a worldwide outcry has emerged, demanding that Spanish football authorities take decisive action against the perpetrators of 'hate crimes'.

The incident has sparked a global conversation on the urgent need for punitive measures to address such acts of discrimination in the football community.

Ronaldo Nazario backs Vinicius

In related news, Sports Brief reported that Brazil legend, Ronaldo sent a powerful message to Vini after the Real Madrid star was racially abused against Valencia on Sunday.

The unfortunate incident took place during a La Liga clash at the Mestalla Stadium, with the Brazilian winger targeted by repulsive chants from sections of the crowd.

Among the legends who came forth to show support towards Vini was the legendary Ronaldo, who dedicated an Instagram post to show he backs his fellow countryman.

Vini's red card overturned

Sports Brief also reported the Brazilian would be available for Real Madrid’s next La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano on May 24, after Vini's red card was rescinded.

The 22-year-old forward was given his marching orders for slapping Valencia's Hugo Duro after being manhandled by the opposing player during the heated match on May 21.

La Liga said in a statement that images the VAR sent to the centre referee were partial and biased, leading the match official to make an error in assessing the situation.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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