Vinicius Jr: Valencia Based Newspaper Targets Real Madrid Star After Racism Testimony

• Vinicius Jr was subjected to racial abuse in Real Madrid's defeat to Valencia in May
• The Brazilian forward has testified in court about the incident, sparking reactions
• A Valencia-based newspaper has targeted Vini with a caricature after his testimony

Vinicius Junior finds himself in the midst of controversy once again, this time due to a caricature image published by Valencia-based newspaper, Superdeporte.

The Brazilian forward had previously encountered a racism incident during Real Madrid's visit to the Mestalla Stadium near the end of the previous season.

During that match, Vinicius - who had been a standout player for Carlo Ancelotti's team - appeared to provoke some home fans with his superb performance.

This provocation led to a distressing incident where some individuals in the crowd at Valencia's home ground allegedly resorted to making monkey noises.

As a result, three home fans were brought to trial for their actions, as reported by Football Espana. The tribunal handling the case eventually sought testimony from the 23-year-old forward.

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On Thursday, October 5, Vinicius provided his testimony in the case, echoing Ancelotti's initial belief that the entire Mestalla crowd had engaged in racially abusive behaviour towards him, despite the fact that only three individuals were on trial.

Shortly after his testimony, Valencia issued an angry statement, urging the Real Madrid star to 'correct his words' while also asserting that combatting racism should not involve 'falsehoods and baseless claims'.

A day later (Friday, October 6), a publication based in the city, Superdeporte released a front-page image comparing Vinicius with Pinocchio, featuring a caricature with an exaggerated nose.

Valencia-based newspaper targets Vinicius

The front page lead was accompanied by the title 'Pinochius' as well as a subheading, translated as follows:

The Madridista recognises that he provoked the fans but lies to the judge in calling out all of Mestalla for racist insults."

Despite there being proof that a large portion of the Valencia crowd chanted racist slurs at Vinicius, the question which remains is whether the entire stadium was involved or just a few radical individuals.

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Vinicius Jr. names childhood idol

Sports Brief previously reported on Real Madrid attacker, Vinicius Jr naming his childhood hero when it comes to the sport he has made a career - football.

The forward, who recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff, disclosed his choice of a hero in the sport, among a few other topics in a fascinating interview.

Vinicius snubbed former Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, who he has often shown huge admiration for, as well as CR7's long-standing rival, Lionel Messi.