Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. is once again on the receiving end of racist chants directed at the Brazilian at the interim home ground of FC Barcelona during the El Classico game at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Saturday.
Real Madrid extended their lead with a 2-1 win, courtesy of their latest midfield sensation, Jude Bellingham, who scored a stunning brace to secure the triumph in an exhilarating clash. Meanwhile, the Brazilian winger faced derogatory chants while getting subbed off.
La Liga expected to investigate fans after Vinicius Jr. Got racially abused
FC Barcelona welcomed the league leaders in a highly anticipated match, one of the most intense rivalries in the world, at their home, hoping to secure a lead in the race to defend their La Liga title. Despite taking an early lead through their new addition Ilkay Gundogan, who put the hosts ahead in just the 6th minute,
Xavi Hernandez’s side’s joy didn’t last long as they failed to extend their lead. Jude Bellingham rescued the three points for his team with two goals in the second half: first, the equalizer came from a long-range strike, and then an added-time winner shattered the hopes of Cules in the stadium.
Vinicius Jr., who started for Los Blancos, achieved his 150th club victory with the team. However, he had a frustrating game, being involved in many instances where his appeal for a foul was denied by the referee, leading to his frustration. The Brazilian even had an argument with Barca boss Xavi on the sidelines due to the same reason.
La Liga has confirmed that they have opened an investigation regarding the reported incident. The latest racial abuse incident occurred during the match when the player was walking off the pitch after being substituted. Barca fans directed derogatory chants and even threw a banana at him.
Vinicius Jr. victim of racial abuse in La Liga
The 23-year-old winger, who has been consistently targeted by away fans in the Spanish league since last year, is facing increasing hostility each week. Authorities and leagues are already investigating cases related to past incidents, with a new case reported from a recent Barcelona-Real Madrid fixture yesterday.
Last week, during an away game against Sevilla, Vini Jr. was racially targeted. Individuals from the home crowd directed gestures of racial abuse. The club quickly identified the fans involved and ejected them from the stadium, invoking their membership. Additionally, a criminal case has been opened against the culprits. The player himself appreciated the steps taken by Sevilla.
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