Real Madrid players and fans came together to show their support for Vinícius Jr. in their first match after the Brazil star was racially abused.
On Sunday the Real Madrid forward was subject to a host of racial abuse from fans at Mestalla Stadium during Valencia’s 1-0 win over Madrid.
The incident has ignited a firestorm in Spain. Vinícius, who has been subject to racial abuse on multiple occasions this season, charged that “racism is normal in La Liga,” and added: “The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas was initially defensive in his response to Vinícius, telling the Real Madrid star “it is necessary that you inform yourself.” Tebas would eventually back down from those comments, issuing an apology on Wednesday.
Vinícius was sidelined with an injury on Wednesday as Madrid hosted Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga match, but he watched on from the stands as his teammates and fans at the Santiago Bernabéu paid tribute.
Madrid players entered the pitch all wearing the Brazilian’s No. 20 jersey, while fans unveiled a large banner that read: “We are all Vinícius. Enough is enough.”
In the 20th minute of the match, fans gave Vinícius a standing ovation, which he acknowledged from the stands.
Here are some of the best images from Wednesday’s game at the Bernabéu.