Vinicius Junior on racism: “I can change the future.”

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior (23), who has been the subject of racist chanting, has told France Football that he can “change the future” in the fight against racism. 

Vinicius Junior was the subject of racist abuse on multiple occasions last season. On one such occasion, against Valencia in matchday 35, the game was paused, whilst the Brazilian international was sent off after addressing the racist abuse to which he was subjected. He then accused the league of being racist. Vinicius Junior told France Football that he stands by his statement. “It (the racist chanting against Valencia) happened on matchday 35, but in the majority of away matches before that one, there was always an episode of racism. They (La Liga) never did anything about it. I had already spoken to La Liga saying it had to change. They didn’t listen to me. They started to listen to me when the whole world began talking about Spain. That made them react, but nothing before,” said Vinicius Junior. 

Three people were issued with fines of €5000 after being found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Junior during the Real Madrid-Valencia match last season, and the Brazilian’s red card, received for his reaction to the racist chanting, was rescinded. La Liga president Javier Tebas initially criticised Vinicius Junior for his vocal reaction to racist abuse, saying that the Real Madrid forward needed to “properly inform” himself. Tebas later apologised to Vinicius Junior. 

Vinicius Junior has now said he is looking to make a difference in the fight against racism. “I know I won’t change history. I know I can’t make Spain, or the rest of the world, a place without racists, but I know I can change the future so that those who succeed me don’t experience that.